Focus Group Discussion on Women and Decolonization.
Photo: ESAS Archive.
Beyond Arts
ESAS’s ‘Healthy Discourse on Women and Decolonization’ program uncovers complex narratives and power dynamics, transcending borders from Malinche’s story in Mesoamerica to the roles of women in Indonesia and Asia. Through rich dialogue and deep exploration, we illuminate hidden histories and foster connections, contributing to a holistic understanding of women’s roles in decolonization.
ESAS’s exploration of the “Healthy Discourse on Women and Decolonization” program delves into complex narratives that span across continents and histories. The blame placed on one woman, Malinche, for shaping the identity of an entire nation highlights the power dynamics of colonialism.
As an Indigenous woman from Mesoamerica, her role as an essential translator for Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez earned her a denigrating reputation as the ‘mother’ of the sons of bastards. This controversial figure continues to spark debates, but a more nuanced perspective emerges.
Our research and observations extend beyond contemporary issues in Mexico and Latin America, such as femicides, to explore women’s roles in Indonesia and Asia. From mythical figures like Calon Arang to historical figures like Ratu Boki from Ternate, these women’s stories reveal intricate connections to the broader themes of decolonization and gender equity.
Within our focus group discussions, esteemed participants, including Debra Yatim, Felia Salim, Prof. Melani Budianta, Alia Swastika, Kelana Wisnu, and Ines Somellera, delve deep into the inequities faced by women and the profound impact of decolonization in Indonesia and Mexico.
This program is a platform for rich dialogue, allowing us to illuminate hidden histories and forge connections between seemingly disparate narratives, ultimately contributing to a more holistic understanding of women’s roles in decolonization.
Table Workshop, Watermill Center 2019.
Photo: ESAS Archive.
Beyond Arts
ESAS’s workshop at The Watermill Center delved into the history of Mexico and La Malinche, sparking discussions on her pivotal role in shaping an empire’s destiny. As we embrace Malinche 2.0 and beyond, our exploration continues.
The Watermill Center, a laboratory of creation for the arts and humanities founded by theater director Robert Wilson, served as the backdrop for the stage one workshop that ESAS brought to the fore. This workshop focused on a production centered around the history of Mexico and La Malinche, the Indigenous woman who translated between the natives and the Spanish army in 1519.
It convened academics, experts, and theater makers to discuss some of the most decisive moments that placed Malinche at the crossroads of an empire in descent or a colony in the making.
While Malinche 1.0 received full support from the Universidad de Guadalajara, ESAS continues to explore the evolution of Malinche 2.0 and beyond.
Photo: Carlos Manuel
Beyond Arts
Transfusion’ transcends aesthetics, delving into contemporary challenges and fostering introspection. This captivating creation at Casa Aranguren in Guadalajara offers a sanctuary for contemplation amidst modern chaos, a testament to art’s enduring power.
“Transfusion” is a ritualistic exploration of the states between living and dying, rebirth, and transmutation. The pandemic united humanity, transcending race, religion, and social status as we faced mortality with raw instinct.
Inspired by ancient cultures, it summons the audience to witness life’s cycle and the joy of liberation. Ines Somellera’s captivating creation blends architecture, nature, and sound within a remarkable house. Structural beauty merges with nature, accompanied by the gentle sounds of running water.
Beyond aesthetics, “Transfusion” tackles contemporary challenges like human isolation, misinformation, and identity erosion in the Covid-19 era. It becomes a ritualistic exploration of societal complexities, fostering introspection and dialogue.
As part of the “False Positives” collective exhibition at Casa Aranguren in Guadalajara, Mexico, “Transfusion” offers a sanctuary for contemplation amidst modern chaos. As the year draws to a close in December, it invites engagement with its multifaceted narrative, finding solace in interconnectedness.
Ultimately, “Transfusion” testifies to art’s enduring power to transcend boundaries and touch the essence of the human experience.
Photo: ESAS Archive
Beyond Arts
Xalisco’ unfolds as a non-linear, haunting narrative through seemingly absurd scenes, drawing inspiration from magical realism and Latin American writers. Conceived and directed by Ines Somellera, it melds sound, light, costumes, and poetry into a unique artistic experience.
Xalisco unfolds within the timeless ‘liquid realms’ of memory and dreams, offering a non-linear performance showcasing random, wicked, and unstructured moments in time. Through seemingly disparate scenes, the town’s memory and its haunting walls narrate Xalisco’s story.
Originally performed at Jakarta’s Salihara Art Center during the LIFE’s Festival in 2017 with an all-Indonesian cast, it underwent a second adaptation at Bangkok’s Low Fat Art Festival Vol.3 in February 2019, featuring an all-Singaporean cast. The full-length production of ‘Xalisco, a place’ graced the 47th Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato, Mexico, in October 2019, followed by additional tours in Guadalajara’s Conjunto Santander of Performing Arts and CENART Mexico City.
Conceived and directed by Ines Somellera, this installation performance draws inspiration from magic realism and incorporates texts from Latin American writers. It melds sound, light, costumes, and poetry into a unique artistic experience.
A dynamic exercise during the workshop.
Photo: ESAS Archive
Beyond Arts
Art, in its purest form, is a haven for the unfettered expression of freedom, unburdened by fear. They become the voice of an era rarely neutral but profoundly revealing, shedding light on revolution, social change, human rights, feminism, environmental issues, inequality, and equity. Each artwork has a unique beauty, illuminating the path toward understanding and transformation.
ArtNibs delves into the profound questions faced by two countries on different continents:
1. How to reconcile with their colonial past, reflecting on nation, state, and nationhood.
2. How to navigate today’s global dynamics.
3. How to project their future vision.
These inquiries resonate deeply with the world of art. Many artworks emerge from discomfort, serving as expressions against oppression or reflections of otherness. Some adopt satirical or mocking tones, while others mirror reality. Art, in its purest form, is a haven for the unfettered expression of freedom, unburdened by fear.
This exploration raises a central question: Is freedom a natural state or an illusion? Being human is inherently rejecting any imposition on the mind’s boundless potential. Consequently, most unfiltered and emancipatory artworks stand as powerful political truths.
They become the voice of an era rarely neutral but profoundly revealing, shedding light on revolution, social change, human rights, feminism, environmental issues, inequality, and equity. Each artwork has a unique beauty, illuminating the path toward understanding and transformation.
ArtNibs features eight artists from Mexico and Indonesia:
1. FX Harsono: “Voice Without A Voice / Sign, 1993-1994” [@ini_fx_harsono]
2. Minerva Cuevas: “Del Montte, 2003” [@micadust]
3. Maharani Mancanagara: “Lokale Hulptroepen (Legiun Lokal KNIL), 2015” [@mancanagara]
4. Eko Nugroho: “Keep Strong, 2018” [@ekonugroho_studio]
5. Ana Segovia: “La Cuerda, 2018” [@ana.sgv]
6. Jorge Méndez Blake: “Amerika, 2017” [@jorge_mendez_blake]
7. Abraham Cruzvillegas: “Empty Lot, 2015” [@autoconstruido]
8. Mella Jaarsma: “Hi inlander, 1999” [@mellajaarsma]
Photo: ESAS Archive
Beyond Arts
This meeting not only celebrated literature’s power to transcend boundaries but also underscored the significance of international alliances in nurturing a dynamic global literary landscape. The gatherings at Impronta Casa Editora breathed life into the timeless essence of human connections through the written word.
In 2019, ESAS and the Indonesian National Book Committee joined forces at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara or FIL), the world’s second-largest book fair and a vital gathering in the Ibero-American region. FIL served as a prime platform for cultural exchange and literary enrichment. During this prestigious event, ESAS seized an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with Impronta, a leading Mexican publisher. Together, they orchestrated engaging meetings, warmly inviting the Indonesian delegation.
These significant gatherings unfolded at the charming Impronta Casa Editora, Liberia y Café Diamante, nestled on Calle Penitenciaria 414, a picturesque locale in the heart of Guadalajara, Jalisco. Here, the fusion of literary ideas and creative energy wove a tapestry of profound discussions and shared ambitions. This collaborative endeavor bridged literary traditions and cross-continental cultural narratives as ESAS and the Indonesian National Book Committee engaged in profound dialogues with Impronta.
This meeting not only celebrated literature’s power to transcend boundaries but also underscored the significance of international alliances in nurturing a dynamic global literary landscape. The gatherings at Impronta Casa Editora breathed life into the timeless essence of human connections through the written word.
Photo: ESAS Archive
Beyond Arts
Hari Ini’ exemplifies the transformative power of art and its ability to bridge cultural divides, transcending borders and bringing communities together through the language of movement and creativity.
‘Hari Ini’ is a vibrant dance theater masterpiece born from the creative synergy of choreographers Hartati and Ines Somellera. This collaborative production is a testament to the ‘Empowering Women Artists’ initiative by Yayasan Kelola, exemplifying the power of female artists to shape narratives and push artistic boundaries.
Inspired by the fluidity and precision of Sumatra’s pencak silat martial arts and the serenity of yoga, ‘Hari Ini’ embodies a unique blend of movement, culture, and expression. Its intricate choreography speaks volumes, transcending language and culture to convey a universal message. Under the skilled direction of Ines Somellera for ESAS, the performance is elevated further by the evocative music of Belgium’s Marc Apart and the visionary costume designs of Carlos Soto from New York. ‘Hari Ini’ stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to bridge cultural divides, transcending borders and bringing communities together through the language of movement and creativity.
‘Hari Ini’ is a dance theater piece choreographed and conceived by Hartati in collaboration with Ines Somellera. It is under the ‘Empowering Women Artists’ program of Yayasan Kelola. ‘Hari Ini’ was inspired by martial arts movements from Sumatra’s pencak silat and yoga.