Exploring the Virtual Art Exhibition Collaboration Between ITB-Narasi TV, “We are not the Same, We Live Together”

By Adi Permana

Editor Adi Permana

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - In collaboration with Narasi TV, ITB hosted a 360 virtual art exhibition with the theme "We are not the Same, We Live Together" (Kita Tidak Sama, Kita Hidup Sama-Sama). The exhibition was created in response to issues around tolerance and can be accessed from 22-26 April 2021. The works displayed are the result of Narasi TV’s collaborators and students of the Faculty of Arts and Design ITB. This event can be accessed through https://indonesiabutuhanakmuda.narasi.tv/. Before entering the exhibition, visitors are advised to use a computer or laptop and create an account.

The exhibition explores three different themes. The first is about social interaction, in which collaborators' works demonstrate the importance of empathy and consideration for fellow humans of all backgrounds, particularly in light of the current pandemic, which makes socialization difficult among others. One of the videos shown provides an example of religious tolerance in the form of a choir. Sierra Latupeirissa, the founder of the Basudara Choir, clarified that the choir consists of members of various religions and is an attempt to bring the Ambonese brotherhood together through music. He went on to say, "Music is universal, and the Basudara Choir speaks for unity."

The next theme is “Misinformation”, which highlights today's society's prevalence of fake news and data. The works in this theme demonstrate the concerns of the artists in disclosing the truth behind circulating information and the importance of critical thinking in responding to them. The theme also explains how pandemic forces people to deal with complicated issues, and how easy it is to draw conclusions from various sources.

“Mental Health” is the last theme on display. To raise awareness regarding this theme, collaborators express their personal experiences through drawings, graphic arts, and short videos. Much of the work also demonstrates how the pandemic has impacted collaborators' mental health, such as having online lectures and being unable to hang out with friends.

This virtual art exhibition is a part of a series of events organized by the Indonesia Needs Youth Movement (IBAM), which offers a variety of viewpoints on current events and the role of young people in them. "Young people created Indonesia and its past," Najwa Shihab said. "Times are always changing, and young people are the wheels."

Reporter: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)
Translator: Sekar Dianwidi Bisowarno (Bioengineering, 2019)