hop on every pages you paint

(my dear friend Ame was first to wish me happiness on my favorite day of the year.. she said: 'hop on every pages you paint'. So I did. The day was kind and full of love. I was relieved from the excruciating pain from the night before, having a nice breakfast with two of my beloved ones, went for a private getaway to my favorite seaside, had a warm dinner with mom, and blessed by all the wishes at the end of the day. There wasn't exactly a white cake with fresh flowers and a sparkler but I am lucky to be a happy birthday girl. Let's not break the spell and let the day stay magic!)

the memories of unidentified experience

(Dito Yuwono's solo exhibition is ongoing until the end of this month at KKF. I can't be happier! As our first collaboration, we shared a same energy level in preparing the exhibition and have been working on this project for awhile. It was almost like our conversation revolves around the ideas of it whenever we are going through the long drive home at night after spending a day finishing the reading supplements (me) or making the artwork (him). 

To read my curatorial note, click here | to read our conversation *around* the exhibition, click here)

ongoing project

-click here to read preliminary text for The Memories of Unidentified Experience-

(The Memories of Unidentified Experience is my first collaboration with Dito. We've been working on this for a year and a half with a book and an exhibition in mind as the result. It has been quite challenging for me. Wandering through his past, pain, fear, exorcising his foggy memories, and acknowledging his present state while being personally close yet at the same time should remain distance and try to avoid being sentimental have been an intense process. With his profound inferiority, I know how insecure he was about exhibiting this project. Yet, that is a step he is willing to take. I wish nothing but kindness.)

collecting flowers from the sky

Remember, remember, this is now, and now, and now. Live it, feel it, cling to it.

//Sylvia Plath//

(A friend once quote in his blog that new year eve is a time when people celebrate for no reason. Aside from my birthday and the night before Ied, this is one of my most favorite time of the year. Be it an intimate night spent with the beloved one over wine and dessert or a festive party with loud music and snacks with friends-- I love how people all around the world, on the street, everywhere.. seem to let things lose for that particular moment. In a world so easily lose faith, cheerfulness is indeed a serious achievement. It's hypnotizing when the sky shines so bright, people cheer and laugh, and everything seems so loud that you can't hear your own thought. It's like a void where you can just forget it all and be amazed by the twinkling flowers in the sky. 

This year, Dito and I decided to spend it intimately, just the two of us- in our new home. We joined my family for the 360 degree view of fireworks watching on my mom's rooftop only up to 11pm before going back home to enjoy it from our yard. There was a different sensation between watching the festivity of five-spots firework party from the height only to be completely overwhelmed by it and that more laid-back amazement of having surrounded by the fireworks while still staying on the ground. Both are amazing. Next year, I'm going to share that amazement with friends. Until then, have a happier days ahead, people!)