Citra Sasmita
What was the initial idea or moment that sparked this piece?
Ritual is the oldest form of art, tested through centuries of human civilization. Its existence consistently calls into question its relevance to the current state of the world. Art always seeks to record the zeitgeist while offering solutions and reconciliation for specific issues. Yet, at its most fundamental essence, a work of art aims to touch the primordial human emotions through sensations and the hope for a better world.
Could you tell us more about Poetry of the Fountain?
Poetry of the Fountain is an attempt to convey a transmission of Eastern knowledge that is both rootless and endless. In experiencing visual art, the eye serves as a meditative portal, the depth of thought acts as the fountain, and perception becomes the poetic way to distribute this knowledge. Holistic rituals in Bali—incorporating various mediums, movements, and sounds—are events of knowledge transmission that have been sustained to this day. This is the artistic potential I wish to share within the global art context.
What are the recurring themes across your work? Where do these come from?
The two fundamental themes in my artistic practice are feminism and decoloniality. These ideologies help me deconstruct established perceptions of Bali that still need correction, particularly regarding patriarchal culture and the lingering effects of Dutch colonialism. This includes the dominant perspectives of modern art in Indonesia that have marginalized traditional art. I strive to critique these views and emphasize the importance of traditional art and the role of women within the context of contemporary art.
Finish the sentence: Art is…
Art is truth that transcends words.
