Conrad
Bali’s acclaimed Living Lobby Art Exhibition series has reached new heights
with the partnership of legendary batik designer and producer Iwan Tirta
Private Collection. The exhibit marks
the first of four quarterly exhibitions and workshops this year highlighting
masterful works that represent the cornerstones of Indonesia art and culture.
From
now until March 31, 2015, Iwan Tirta’s Boketan collection will be showcased in
the East Lobby Lounge of the resort. This
latest concept features original works that can take up to six months to create
and is available for sale to guests and visitors.
Further,
Era Soekamto, creative director of Iwan Tirta Private Collection will conduct a
two-day batik making workshop from March 19 to 22, 2015. Conrad Bali is
offering a package for a minimum of three nights, with accommodation in the
Deluxe Garden room starting at USD265++ per night and including the workshop,
return airport transfers and breakfast. The workshop dates coincide with March
21st which marks the Balinese Hindu holy day of Nyepi, known as the Day of
Silence on which no traffic is allowed; cars will be off the streets and people
will have to stay at home.
Conrad
Bali general manager Jean-Sébastien Kling said: “We feel deeply honoured to
partner with the distinguished brand of Iwan Tirta Private Collection. This
exhibition presents an opportunity for guests and local residents to experience
the extraordinary indigenous art of Indonesia and discover the heritage and
philosophies that underpin Indonesian culture, customs and beliefs.”
Nursjirwan
Tirtaamidjaja, or Iwan Tirta as he is known, is considered the father of
Indonesian batik, creating over 10,000 original hand drawn pieces of batik art
before his passing in 2010. Tirta was
born in Blora. He discovered motifs dated back from between the 6th and 18th
centuries and brought new life to a batik originally worn and collected only by
the elite members of the Indonesian royal court.
Above
all, his work is rooted in spirituality, where control, etiquette and harmony
conspire to establish the foundation of belief for the Javanese – where
conflicts are avoided and a transcendental balance exists. Even the action of
‘canting’ or drawing patterns with wax requires calmness, serenity and a
meditative state of mind in order to create a perfect work.
Such
is the level of artistic creativity involved in the batik that in October 2009
UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity. Iwan Tirta, who
studied at the London School of Economics and Yale Law School, received a grant
from The John D. Rockerfeller III Fund and was able to pursue his love of
batik, creating the eponymous brand and bringing it to the attention of the global
fashion market.
The
future to develop the art however lays in the hands of Mahakarya Warisan
Nusantara Group CEO Johannes Bima, who manages the Iwan Tirta Private
Collection brand and was instrumental in the collaboration with Conrad Bali,
which sees the expansion of the brand outside of Jakarta of the first time
since the passing of the great man.
“We
are very excited to be partnering with Conrad Bali as this represents the first
step outside of Jakarta and the start of a new beginning for Iwan Tirta Private
Collection as we embark on a journey to honour his legacy and create new
relevance for the brand outside of Jakarta and indeed outside of Indonesia,”
said Johannes Bima, CEO of Mahakarya Warisan Nusantara Group.
“We
are delighted with the opportunity to be able to tell stories of our history
and heritage through the intricate motifs and combinations exhibited at
Boketan, and through Era’s craft we are hopeful of creating a new respect and
relevance for batik as a luxury garment around the world.”
The
curtain went up on the three-month long exhibition last week at Conrad Bali
with a glittering gala opening featuring presentations and a trunk show with
models displaying Iwan Tirta Private Collection’s latest collection, Boketan,
especially curated for the Bali opening.
Conrad
Bali’s Living Lobby Art Exhibition series continues in April with another
cornerstone art for Indonesia’s culture and heritage.
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