Exploring Self-Existence Through RajutKejut Craftivism A case study of art activism in Penjaringan City Forest, North Jakarta

Abstract

RajutKejut is a knitting community in Jakarta, Indonesia. It has been doing the yarnbombing activities since 2014. In 2019 Jakarta Arts Council invited RajutKejut to collaborate with residents of the Air Baja village, Penjaringan, North Jakarta. In a program titled Young Curator Class: Titik Temu Gembira, it joint forces with the residents to explore life from a different perspective – the art activism. The spirit of this program was to facilitates residents to have joyful independent life with dignity. Art encourage the passion of life. In this program, firstly, the RajutKejut Community yarnbombed the village and the urban forests located next to it with colorful knits. The women of RajutKejut shared their knowledge with villagers on making necklaces from threads for their dance costumes. This research discusses how RajutKejut with their craft works and knowledge bring forward the passion of life through art activism. This research uses Alyce McGovern’s Craftivism method, which dissect craftivism in personal, community, and political aspects. It will shows many personal dimensions, the relation of art to the villagers, and will show how art can influences and bring up the potentials of an individual. In the relation of art with the villagers aspect, this research will show how art can restore the spirit of togetherness and cooperation. On the political dimension, the art facilitates statements of empowerment of the villagers. Although most people in marginal communities of Jakarta's urban villages, who work daily as laborers and mostly struggle with their bowels, see art activities as a luxury, but by RajutKejut art activism, the villagers have something to catch their breath for a while, stop for a moment from their routines, giving themselves space to feel their existence as human beings who have expressions, feel and tastes.