The installation delves into the intricate connections among the past, present, and future. ‘The Antithesis of Growth’ explores the notion that everything follows a natural temporal rhythm—be it regeneration, the time between planting and harvesting, the changing seasons, or the duration it takes to read a book. Many of these innate cycles have been disrupted in our pursuit of speed and excess. Our governments gauge our conduct through the lens of annual economic growth.
The Javanese way of life, once characterized by a leisurely pace, has undergone rapid transformations in recent decades. Bombarded by information on our mobile phones, our attention is incessantly tethered to the immediate present. I am intrigued by the metamorphosis and interpretation of time within our bodies, as evidenced by clothing and behavioral habits. Alterations in physical appearance serve as indicators of broader societal shifts.
By intertwining elements of Javanese Limasan architecture with the human form, the installation probes the relationship between traditional cultural expressions and contemporary experiences. The Limasan, a traditional roof-style architecture, represents the foundational structure found in villages across Java. Through successive generations, it has evolved, withstanding seismic activity, heavy rains, and winds.
How can we instill an awareness that every action we take today shapes the path for future generations? How do we reintegrate the impact on unborn generations into our decision-making process? Revisiting local Javanese traditions offers insights into embracing loops and cycles akin to the female body—birthing, aging, and passing on knowledge from one generation to the next.