![[D/R]ekonstruksi (2022). Source: ICAD Artura](https://grafisnusantara.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DSC29481-OK-3-1-scaled.jpg)
[D/R]ekonstruksi (2022). Source: ICAD Artura
The global visual language, especially pop culture, is currently obsessed with nostalgia, and it shows. Moreover, many millennials and beyond are heavily imposed on early-onset nostalgia due to the endless stream of online information (Dua, 2015). This fact has sparked Grafis Nusantara’s impetus as a collective that will bridge the past and the future.
With this thought in mind, it was a pleasure to participate in Indonesian Contemporary Art and Design 12 (ICAD 12) through the Open Submission program held by ICAD Artura Foundation.
[D/R]ekonstruksi (2022) (Re: Deconstruction and Reconstruction) is an immersive, participatory installation that invites visitors to appreciate and re-examine Indonesian antique visuals through the collection of cigarette pack labels displayed by Grafis Nusantara.
Apart from its function as an identification of kretek cigarette brands, these labels can be seen as a work of visual art that reflects a socio-cultural system in space and time. Moreover, the markings used on cigarette pack labels reflect the local identity of where the cigarette labels were made. (Rohidi, 2001: 9)
Samples of cigarette packs showcased to introduce audience about Indonesian kretek cigarettes. Source: Personal documentation, 2022.
A floor rug made based of one of Grafis Nusantara's cigarette pack labels. Source: Personal documentation, 2022.
These labels are sorted based on Rohidi’s classification in the ‘Grafis Etiket Rokok Tempo Doeloe’ exhibition catalog (2001), as follows: (1) plants and animals, (2) household tools and daily equipment, (3) figures, (4) buildings, nature, and natural phenomena, (5) industry and transportation, and (6) others.
Selected cigarette pack labels under figure category. Source: Personal documentation, 2022.
Selected cigarette pack labels under household tools and daily equipment category. Source: Personal documentation, 2022.
The results of the ‘deconstruction’ of the archives are presented on the walls, along with the research carried out by Grafis Nusantara. In addition to exhibiting their collections, Grafis Nusantara also invites visitors to do a ‘reconstruction’ to create something new with these labels according to each visitor’s interpretation, with the tools provided on the spot.
Note: The growing number of Grafis Nusantara’s new cigarette labels retrieved as a part of this installation led to our decision to upload the entire collection to this website. Click here to view our cigarette label collection.
–
WORKS CITED
Dua, T. (2015) Why millennials are afflicted with ‘early-onset nostalgia’, Digiday. Available at: https://digiday.com/marketing/early-onset-nostalgia-surge-cola-mad-libs-renaissance/ (Accessed: October 10, 2022).
Rohidi, Tjetjep Rohendi, Sunaryo, Aryo, Indriyanto, Dian, Mas. (2001) Pameran Grafis Etiket Rokok Tempo Doeloe. Semarang: Semarang Gallery.
ICAD 12 poster (Source: arturaicad.com).
About ICAD 12
Indonesian Contemporary Art and Design (ICAD) is the first and only exhibition that initiates collaboration in the design, art, technology, entertainment, and hospitality industries. ICAD is held annually to explore the wealth of contemporary Indonesian local wisdom. First held in 2009, ICAD has become a large-scale exhibition promoting design and contemporary art in Indonesia.
Indonesian Contemporary Art and Design 12 (ICAD 12) was held at grandkemang Hotel from 19th October 2022 until 27th November 2022 with the theme “Fragmenting Yesterday, Reshaping Tomorrow,” which aimed to understand the community development process while exploring past and future relationships.
ICAD 12 featured 59 multidisciplinary creative workers – from senior contemporary artists, young creators, collectives, or communities engaged in various fields; new art, design, music, culture, and materials. Their works were divided into five (5) categories: Special Appearance, In Focus, Featured, Open Submission, and Collaboration.
ICAD 12 participants (Source: arturaicad.com).
