Bersama

public art installation

“Bersama” is a collaborative work by 3 creators based in Kemang who fortuitously met and formed a new space of walking community in Kemang during the Pandemic. This public art installation is part of our support for Kemang 12730, arts & design district.

The Covid-19 pandemic has compelled all of us from socializing, limiting our space and mobility, hindering us from doing our public activities outside. Health protocols and measures are taken to keep our distance socially, isolating ourselves. As we adapt throughout this tense condition, constant anxiety, fear, and distress became a common feeling, and instigate anti-social behaviour. 

With caution, one of us began to walk outside to break our boredom by strolling around the Kemang area. This positive energy eventually grew when one by one, our friends started to join and form a walking group. Starting with walking once a week and gradually became our daily routine. Sometimes our walking agenda has to be stopped due to government community restrictions imposed for public activities. We are always very careful with our rendezvous and adhere to strict health protocols, therefore taking care of each other to stay healthy. Nevertheless, we believe that walking regularly under the sun can increase our immunity during this pandemic. And as time goes by, this small group of ours form a bond and became a family. 

Opening ” Bersama” a public art installation that response facade of Dia.Lo.Gue artspace in Kemang area together with a group of Kemang walking community and Diana Nazir initiator of Kemang12730.

Kemang is a very delightful area to stroll around. The neighbourhood, environment, and community have a lot of interesting stories. As we walked through the streets of Kemang, we met and interacted with the locals. There were also many fellow residents that we encounter, who often walk around the neighbourhood with their pets. We also discover many unique, rare places or hidden gems as we call them. We came to a new appreciation for things that have existed in Kemang since a long time ago, such as workers, street vendors, local traders, and stalls who always stay in the same place. We realize that in the past, we were too busy to appreciate all of that. 

Time flies fast, and it has been almost 2 years since the pandemic. Despite, the many concerns, jokes, and laughter, to an extent, our walking group gave birth to a new space as a result of our close friendship. Without realizing it, this camaraderie has become a powerful form of vaccine for us. 

Kemang has long been known as a home for many creative studios. In 1989, Hermawan Tanzil began his career by working in a graphic design studio in Bangka, then in 1996, he started his own studio ‘LeBoYe’, and moved to Kemang which is now known better as Dia.Lo.Gue. Indra Leonardi, a world-class “portraiture” photographer, opened his showroom in Kemang in 1999, then reside here in 2002, and most recently moved his photography studio in the area as well. Gregory Supie along with his business partner Maria Rosantina, started their architectural studio ‘d-associates’ and has resided in Kemang since 2004. 

“Bersama” is like sheets of souls and spirits that form a lantern, giving a ray of hope to all of us, a work that was inspired by Kemang, by the people of Kemang for all of us.

This morning walk habit has become a “Corona Profiteur”, where the pandemic has brought them even closer together. Even in these difficult conditions, an opportunity arises to create a new positive space where we can back each other up, walk together, and heal one another by creating something together. Togetherness is the vaccine that gives us hope, joy, and healthy friendships.

Kemang has long been known as a home for many creative studios. In 1989, Hermawan Tanzil began his career by working in a graphic design studio in Bangka, then in 1996, he started his own studio ‘LeBoYe’, and moved to Kemang which is now known better as Dia.Lo.Gue. Indra Leonardi, a world-class “portraiture” photographer, opened his showroom in Kemang in 1999, then reside here in 2002, and most recently moved his photography studio in the area as well. Gregory Supie along with his business partner Maria Rosantina, started their architectural studio ‘d-associates’ and has resided in Kemang since 2004. 

“Bersama” is a form of space filled with hope that can enlighten us, to help each other, facing these difficult times that we are going through together. This work of installation is presented and inspired by Kemang, from the people of Kemang, for all. 

project team: Ignatius Hermawan Tanzil from LeBoYe, Gregorius Supie Yolodi and Maria Rosantina from project d-associates and Indra Leonardi from The Leonardi