The (Art) World's Obsession With Oppression

I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the exhibition 'The Neighbour At The Gate' in National Art School here in Sydney. I've been wanting to visit a proper exhibit with intention and I'm glad to report that I found a lot of inspiration from being around art and being able to use my art brain again.

The opening started at 6 PM, but I arrived late because I'd realized that I left my cards at home when the bus arrived. I was feeling myself that day and was so ready to go out, I truly can't just slay fully huh. I ended up arriving 10 to 15 minutes late. Fortunately, I found out later that the opening speech started at 6.30 PM.

The venue was a lot more crowded than I expected. Easily 100 or more people were around. The crowd was kind of what you would expect. I had envisioned a mix bag of colorful, fun attire and brooding neutrals, though in reality it was more the later. 

The speech itself was just a standard opening speech by people who were behind the events, like the school board and curators. One notable thing that happened was the smoking ceremony that preceded the speech. It was followed by acknowledgement of native people and native land which is good. However.. I find this experience to be a bit performative and hollow. Even appropriative to be frank. I do realize that Australia is quite conscious of occupying native land as well as acknowledge native peoples in the past and present. Although that is a good sentiment in theory, I think more action could be taken to support natives who actually needs assistance.

Anyway, this exhibition tells stories of Asian Australian artists and their work deals with the theme of immigration and the diaspora. The exhibition overall was pretty enjoyable.

I had fun dissecting the works from the materials used, the process, and the meaning behind the works. But upon further reflection of the whole experience, I went down a path of thought that I want to talk about today.

I find that artists of backgrounds and cultures that are the minorities often get pigeonholed into doing works that promotes or commercializes their culture by portraying it in a way that is palatable to the masses. I'm not saying that that is what's happening in this instance, but I can't help but be reminded of this notion. 

It's almost like if you are an artist who is not white or of the majority, you are "encouraged" to create artworks that are more "personal". The artwork you create can't just exist on its own. If I were to make artworks in relation to my own cultural background, of course I would approach it with a sense of sensitivity and consciousness that I would be representing something bigger than myself. And with that, works tend to take on a more serious and critical tone (sometimes even political). It dispels so many other possibilities and characteristics an artwork might take, such as whimsy, fun, camp, light-hearted. I'm not saying that these qualities can't co-exist, but it can't just be whimsical or fun or light-hearted. The artwork also has to satisfy a certain quota of this element of selling out your culture, cultural/collective trauma or oppression.

I'm not exactly sure what I want to say with this. But I'd imagine it would be extremely emotionally draining for myself if I were to make this element the center of my works. Not only in the process, but having to explain it times over.

I wonder what you think, dear reader. Do you feel the same way that I do?

Art Ramblings [Audio]

 Hey hey,

It's been a while! I just wanted to pop back in here to post this audio recording I just made. I want to archive this for my future self to refer back to, as well as my journey of creating this new series of work. I'm sure I'll have more thoughts and updates in the future. I hope I'll be able to upload them here.

The part on recording myself is because I want to be more comfortable talking to a microphone. I think with making art, eventually I'll want to make content and put them out there. It also helps a lot with my talking skills and public speaking, which is a necessary stop if you grow bigger as an artist. As it turns out, verbalizing my thoughts also help to narrow down the important points which is a bonus.

I'll leave the recording here, maybe you might find it helpful dear audience. If you also make art.

Recording - Art Rambles

Leaving Soon

✤ Life Log ✤ < life update >

Hi! It's been a while! I hope you are doing well, dear reader.

And also Happy New Year! I didn't mention it the last post bcs 2 AM brain. But yes, I hope things have been well, or at least ok so far. Sending good vibes and best wishes~ The universe really tried me in 2024, 2023 wasn't really the best either honestly.

The universe pooping on us.

2024.

You better get your shit together, universe! And give me - give US something good. Yes, that includes you, reader.

I'm about to leave for Australia soon for my studies, which is a huge deal. I'll be there for the next 3 years, probably more if I decide to settle down there and get a job. Just been reckoning with that these couple of days. The time for departure is drawing nearer and nearer. And though I'm glad to leave for someplace better, it makes me want to appreciate the remaining time I have, and the spaces I occupy here. 

Salted Egg Fish in "Taste Good", Rochor 

View while waiting for cab.

I recently went to Singapore, almost 2 weeks ago actually, and got to see my friends! It was nice. In a way it's sort of my final hurrah there. I really felt like I found and fostered a community there. For context, I studied there for 3 years in an art school. Really had the best moments of my life there, both ups and downs. It was full of self-discovery and actualization, exploration and expression. I'm glad I got go around to my usual spots, see some wonderful art & exhibitions, and just say my (for now) goodbye to this city. 

Currently I'm back here in Batam, dreading interactions with certain family members, and desperately waiting for the CNY formalities to be over with. The good things about this holiday are the food & seasonal snacks (thanks Mom!), and angpao (red packets). Some of the music are pretty good too! Especially the older ones. They make me feel nostalgic.

The past few days have just been quite restful to be honest. I'm glad to have spent some meaningful quality time with my mother, we are quite close. Needless to say I'll miss her a lot. The next time I'll write here I'll probably be in Australia already, trying to settle in a new environment.

I'm listening to T42 (what's new), but more so recently. I feel it's a way for me to stay more connected to Singapore despite leaving far away. I'm sad to leave my friends.

Although there are bittersweet feelings, I am also determined to do well there in Australia, really build a life for myself. Find a community where I feel accepted and safe, like I did in Singapore. 

I recently had a conversation with my online friend - who's also Indonesian - she randomly asked me if I now have a Singlish accent? and you know what.. I do. I've realized how much my accent has changed. Although I code switch depending on the person, I honestly don't know if I can go back to a more Americanized accent like before. I like my current accent though. It reminds me of the different environments I've been in. My experiences are squeezed tightly by metaphorical hands into a voice box, and what comes out is a noise that is direct and undisguisable. Well, to a certain extent.

First post! ^_^

 Hi there! just to give an intro to who I am..

I am a 23 year old guy, my pronouns are he/him, I am gay.

I'm from Indonesia and I currently live in a small town there.

I am into the arts, drawing & painting and just creating in general.

I really miss blogs, especially the aesthetics of early 2000s. So I'll try to emulate the aesthetic of that era in this blog I'm making. I think the internet is more fun when it's more personal and less polished. So much of what we consume now is fed to us by algorithms and corporations. I hope this can be a safe space for people to chill and feel welcomed.

Being queer in a small town in a country that is not accepting of LGBT, there is really not much to do. This blog is one the ways for me to fill my time ig, and attempt to connect with people.

If you are into Queer/LGBT topics, Artistic discussions, (maybe Existential contemplations?) and just a young gay guy talking/ranting about his experiences and things about the world, then this blog is for you! 

P.S. I really like Pokemon, Animations (Cartoons & Anime) and Silly stuff :3

I'll also try to not be too uptight about grammar and stuff like that cuz I think it adds to that early internet aesthetic. But we'll see how it goes, I'm a bit of a perfectionist sometimes.