Exploring Self-existence through RajutKejut Craftivism: A case study in Penjaringan Forest, Jakarta

RajutKejut is a knitting community in Jakarta, Indonesia, that has been doing yarnbombing activities since 2014. In 2019, Jakarta Arts Council invited RajutKejut to collaborate with Kampung Air Baja residents in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, in a program called Young Curator Class: Titik Temu Gembira. The program combines forces between RajutKejut and urban village residents to explore life from a different perspective, specifically through art activism. This program’s spirit helps residents have joyful independent lives with dignity through art that encourages life’s passion. The RajutKejut Community shares its knowledge with residents on making necklaces from threads for their dance costumes. This research discusses how RajutKejut brings forward the passion of life through art activism. This research uses Alyce McGovern’s Craftivism method, which dissects craftivism in personal, community, and political aspects. It shows the relation of art to the residents, how art can influence and raise an individual’s potential. The community aspect shows the relation of art and the residents and how art can restore the spirit of togetherness and cooperation. On the political aspect, the art facilitates statements of empowerment from the residents. Through RajutKejut craftivism, the residents have the social capital to help them catch their breath for a while, stop their routines for a moment, and allow them to feel their existence as human beings who have expressions and feelings.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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