Siluet Majapahit

Siluet Majapahit 23,Sept 2024

Silk screen printing on art paper

A1 size 59.4 cm × 84.1 cm

Siluet Majapahit is a silkscreen print created on standard art paper, paying tribute to the disappearing traditions of shadow puppetry and Southeast Asian cultural heritage. The title references both the silhouette-like imagery found in shadow play and the historic Majapahit empire, evoking a sense of grandeur now fading into obscurity.

This work is a reflection on the fragile state of traditional art forms such as wayang kulit, the Malaysian version of shadow puppetry. Once a popular form of storytelling and performance in local communities, it is now increasingly rare, struggling to survive in modern society. The piece seeks to remind viewers of the value of these vanishing arts, and the need to protect and honor what remains of them.

The silkscreen printing process itself became part of the artwork's message. Each step—applying emulsion, exposing the screen, layering the inks—echoed the rhythm and patience of traditional craftsmanship. The artist experienced a deep connection to the physicality and repetition of the process, similar to operating a handloom or carving leather for shadow puppets. This labor-intensive method reinforces the spirit of artisanship and respect for the hands that keep culture alive.

Siluet Majapahit calls not only for preservation but also for recognition, celebrating both the form and the process of traditional artistic labor.