Exhibition: “Tetiten Swarane Tandur: Hear the Seeds Sing”
Closing this weekend is an immersive art exhibition that explores the themes of climate change, food security and land justice.
Fusion Arts Oxford presents Tetiten Swarane Tandur – “Hear the Seeds Sing,” an immersive art exhibition in collaboration with Soboman Artspace 219 from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The exhibition, which takes place during Great Big Green Week, delves into pressing global issues such as climate change and food security, using art as a powerful medium to provoke thought and inspire action.
In the UK, traditional farming rituals highlight our deep connection to the land. Wassailing ensured an abundant apple harvest, the corn dolly symbolized the corn’s spirit for next year’s yield, and Maypole dancing heralded spring and brought luck to the crops.
However, this exhibition focuses on the Cowongan tradition, which originates from Java, Indonesia’s Banyumas region. The Cowongan tradition creatively utilizes coconut shells during droughts, symbolizing a communal plea for assistance from the heavens. Reflecting local resilience and resourcefulness, it underscores the profound connection between humanity and nature, emphasizing collective action in environmental challenges.
“This exhibition is a space for us to express and voice the crises experienced by peasants in Indonesia to global audiences….Wooden dolls and miniature statues of Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility in Javanese belief, are presented as expressions of farmers eco-religiosity, emphasizing that humans are not the rulers of nature”, explains Ribka Barus, research coordinator at University Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, who has been working alongside Artists at Soboman Artspace in Yogyakarta for the creation of this exhibition.
“Hear the Seeds Sing” promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring exhibition that invites audiences to contemplate the interconnectedness of our world and the urgent need for collective action. Join in and explore, learn, and share ideas for a sustainable future.
Exhibition: 8th – 15th June, 11am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tues)
Opening event, Fri 7th June, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Harvesting Change: Panel discussion Fri 7th June 6.30 – 7.30pm
Gallery tours, Sat 8th & Sun 9th, time TBC
Green Arts Get-Together (dinner provided), Weds 12th June, 6-8pm
Batik Workshop, Thurs 13th June, 10am – 2pm
Land Justice Oxfordshire: Community Bring & Share Gathering, Thurs 13th June, 6-8pm
Seeding Resistance, poetry workshop, Fri 14th June, 6-8pm
Closing event with art performances, Sat 15th June, 4-6pm
Location: Fusion Arts Oxford, 95 Gloucester Green, Oxford
“Tetiten Swarane Tandur: Hear the Seeds Sing” is supported by the British Council, Dana Indonesiana and the Oxfordshire County Council’s Climate Action Oxfordshire campaign.
