Whiteboard Journal » Features

The Look of Sport

Ocha Ross — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:18:47 +0000

Every year we can see sports becoming more and more entrenched in society. It isn’t only an activity and exercise, now penetrating into lifestyle and fashion. Bringing the theme titled The Look of Sport, Nike Sportswear (NSW) brings to us a season inspired by three sports: Basketball, Football, and Running. This summer collection brings to us wearable pieces the represents the life of athletes. They also reintroduce their classic model, the Cortez, into their collection as it is the sneaker’s 40th anniversary, but more importantly bringing an iconic piece from the past into a contemporary setting.

The collection’s main point is their focus on post-sports wear, as in bringing the look of sports off the field and into every day life. It is the perfect time as 2012 brings to us both the Olympics and Euro Cup.

Celebrating the collection Nike has invited three local artists to collaborate with, creating art installations that each represent a look of sport. First, Darbotz represents basketball, Eko Bintang illustrates Football, and last, Sanchia Hamidjaja presents her take on Running.

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The Beautiful, The Ugly, and The Banal

Athina Ibrahim — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:39:56 +0000

Travel stories of India are always intriguing. I have never been there myself, owing much of my impression of the second most populous country in the world to television, film, magazines, newspapers, and most fascinating of all, my peers, such as this piece by Ridzki Noviansyah. The wonderful photography he took during his stay evoke images of a place that whose traditions and spirituality are deeply rooted in the fabric of their society. The garment, the architecture, the art – all oozing an abundance shapes, vibrant colors, and history. Its chaos seems otherworldly, foreign yet still grounded and human. One of the best travel piece on Whiteboard Journal, enjoy Ridzi Noviansyah’s The Beautiful, The Ugly, and The Banal.

Ridzki Noviansyah is freelance photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. It was during his university year that he got the serious passion for photography, due to the fear that he will lose the balance between his right and left brain. To him the camera is just a medium to record and at the same time to voice out his thoughts, therefore he’s not afraid to push himself and his camera to the limit.
http://trugiaz.carbonmade.com

Snapshot 02: Surely/Someday + Kitchen

Athina Ibrahim — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:28:18 +0000

Snapshot: We are lucky to be surrounded by creative energies that continuously keep us fascinated through their admirable projects. Either making appearance in public or quietly choosing to stay behind the scenes, through the eyes of our photographers we have given our personal interest to find out more about the various personalities behind their projects, homes, enterprises, or their crafted work. Snapshots is a photographic series and a visual observation by Whiteboard journal that gives a personal account on personalities, their style, their inspiration, their work and a glimpse of their creative space that makes their character an inspiration.

Surely/Someday + Kitchen: In his early 20s, Sun Wahyu was inspired by the two words he saw in a film, ’Surely Someday’. To him, those two words denote a positive air of hope that instead of constantly announcing that he will acquire his dream “someday”, the former word gives a stronger confirmation of his will. So, after years of being a graphic designer for a number of notable design studios, in the year 2011, Sun Wahyu together with his mother, used his graphic skills and personal interest in baking to create a delightful choice of cookies and cakes, which he sells online.

His curiosity and meticulous detail translates in every craftsmanship of his work, engrossing every detail of the website, packaging, photography to the constant experiments of recipes resulting in the jovial indulgence of sweets.

W: What is your obsession or your current favorite activity?

Sun Wahyu: I’ve always enjoyed cooking since I was little, so until now, I still enjoy experimenting with baking new kinds of cakes/cookies.

W: What book are you reading now?

Sun Wahyu: My friend is lending me a book by Paulo Coelho titled The Manual of Warrior of Light.

W: What kind of music do you listen to?

Sun Wahyu: These are the three of my favorite musicians – and all of them are Japanese: 1. Takagi Masakatsu, a multimedia artist whose music lean towards experimental and ambient by incorporating Bali Gamelan or the sound of children in his music, 2. UA, a Jazz-Pop and a bit of experimental musician, 3. Tatetakako, the mood of his music is as Yoshitomo Nara’s artwork, it’s more homey and calmer.

W: What are the things you always carry when you leave the house?

Sun Wahyu: I always carry my wallet, a notebook, a pocket camera, and an iPod.

W: What is special about Japan for you?

Sun Wahyu: I’m not sure how to answer this, maybe because in the past I was Japanese (laughs). But I guess, I just always had an interest towards the country, the culture and the language.

W: How about Jakarta? How is Jakarta special to you?

Sun Wahyu: Well, I was born here, there is always a love and hate relationship with this city. In retrospect, it seems to be more difficult now than it was years ago, Jakarta has always been absurd and complicated but it always inspires you. Nowadays – maybe because of the age-factor (laughs) – I easily get tired of the city and some days I just feel stagnant. I just hope it gets better in time though.

W: What is your favorite pastry?

Sun Wahyu: I enjoy basic pastries, nothing with too much cream or coloring like red-velvet cakes. So my choices are chiffon cake, pound cake, carrot cake, lemon cake and I’ve always been interested to try savory cakes.

W: Which do you prefer, Green Tea or Chocolate?

Sun Wahyu: How about a mix of Chocolate Green tea? (laughs), I prefer dark chocolate, but Green Tea for cakes.

W: Who are the people that inspire you?

Sun Wahyu: Yoshitomo Nara, Yayoi Kusama, Naoko Ogigama, and Akira Minagawa of the brand Minä Perhonen

W: What keeps you going?

Sun Wahyu: I always believe that in life everyone should live with hope and dreams. A hope that the future will always be better than today.

–

SnapShots 02: Surely/Someday + Kitchen

Photography by: Athina Ibrahim and Natasha Gabriella Tontey

Photos edited by: Natasha Gabriella Tontey

Thank You
Surely/Someday + Kitchen
Sun Wahyu
Natasha Gabriella Tontey
Max Suriaganda

Surely/Someday + Kitchen
Jl.Pedati Raya No. 23,
Jakarta, Indonesia 13340
E: hello@surelysomedaykitchen.com
Surely/Someday + Kitchen Facebook
Surely/Someday + Kitchen Twitter
Surely/Someday + Kitchen Website

Setlist Vol.03: Stars and Rabbit

Ken Jenie — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:17:20 +0000

SetList: Music is in a good place right now. Even with the vast array of genres and sub-genres artists continue to explore the possibilities of new sonic landscapes, and with the multitude of musicians that are dedicated to their craft there is no shortage of diverse and original music produced. With such a rich pool of musical talents it was only right W_Music began a live segment featuring some of the finest musicians performing the music that make them so unique. Setlist is a video performance program by Whiteboard Journal that is inspired by shows such as the Peel Sessions where bands exhibit their material in a controlled environment, giving a recording that is as special as the place and time the music was in concert.

Stars and Rabbit: Seeming to come out of nowhere, Stars and Rabbit made a splash in the music scene late 2011. The group masterminded by Elda Suryani and Adi Widodo originally formed in Yogyakarta early 2011 but soon created a buzz for themselves when they performed in Jaya Pub’s monthly event, Superbad!, in December 2011. Since then the group has been the focus of many’s attention, and deservedly so. Elda’s approach to both her vocal projection and performance stands out as her voice, which recalls Bjork and Joanna Newsom, towers over Adi Widodo’s introspective guitar strumming and plucking, while her body moves frantically as if possessed by the music. Whiteboard Journal had the pleasure of having Stars and Rabbit perform 3 songs at W_Space Kemang, and we hope you enjoy the performance!

Setlist Vol.03: Stars and Rabbit

Setlist
Worth It
You Were the Universe
Man Upon the Hill

Director of Photography: Heru Admadja

Editor: Ken Jenie

Audio Engineer: Rully Botax

Thank You
W_Space
Riva Pratama
Putri Hardiman
Januar Kristianto

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Stars and Rabbit MySpace
Stars and Rabbit Twitter
Stars and Rabbit Facebook
Stars and Rabbit Soundcloud

A Day Inside the MoMA

Athina Ibrahim — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:14:06 +0000

Text: Nico Novito | Photos: Courtesy of Nico Novito and MoMa

In her book Seven Days in the Art World, Sarah Thornton, an art writer, says that contemporary art has become an alternative religion for some—“a kind of existential channel through which they bring meaning to lives.” If that argument is to be considered as true, then the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)in New York can be seen as the “church” for art aficionados. Founded in 1929, MoMA has a mission to encourage understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art by its diverse audience. And it is likely that the museum has pretty much achieved its goal by attracting what seems to be thousands of visitors (native New Yorkers and tourists alike) every single day.

Last month, I was lucky enough to be able to make a pilgrimage to the museum, which was located at 11 West 53 Street. I came to MoMA without any prior expectations. It was just there, written inside my NYC to-go list, and I thought, “Why not?” Also, note that I was in no way an art expert. I enjoyed viewing artworks and reading articles or books about them, but the art world didn’t excite me as much as, say, fashion. In short, I’m an art amateur.

And yet, what I experienced in MoMA was beyond my non-existent expectations. It touched a certain spot in me that made me realize how beautiful and moving art can be. It also pushed me in a certain way, to be more knowledgeable about this enticing and slightly mystical realm.

Here is my account of being inside the MoMA on one chilly February day.

1.00 PM – Lobby

I just couldn’t wait to get inside MoMA I almost ran from the 5 Avenue-53 Street subway station to the museum—main reason: it was cold! Once inside and warm, I went directly to the ticket booth at the lobby. Since I was a student, I only had to pay $12 instead of the regular adult admission price ($20). Yes, it was quite pricey, but seeing the size of the building and the amount of people MoMA hired for the museum, no wonder. (Just for illustration, there were at least two security persons placed in each of its countless galleries.) So, basically the money went into a good cause.

Once I was inside the ticket-holder side of the lobby, I started to wander around and soak in the atmosphere. It was a Saturday afternoon, which made the museum crowded by tourists of various nationalities. The building was hands down amazing. Spacious, glaring with natural light, and surrounded by glasses overlooking the museum’s garden, it was designed by the Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi.

1.15 PM – Contemporary Galleries

As I was perusing the floor plan in the MoMA guide, a phrase piqued my interest: “contemporary galleries.” As the name suggests, the galleries contain artworks by artists from the1980s until now.

This being contemporary art, there are endless forms of it being displayed: video, installation, sculpture, etc. Mostly, they were the conceptual kind that kept me wondering the meaning they tried to convey. I was strangely attracted to a sculpture by Huma Bhabha called Bleekmen (2010), which looked like a totemic alien made from various materials.

2.00 PM – Painting and Sculpture I

Going directly to the fifth floor, there was the Painting and Sculpture I gallery, showcasing mostly European art, dating back to the 1880s—arguably, the time when the word “modern” can start to be applied to art. This is where some of the world’s most valuable paintings are on view.

I was quite shocked when I saw Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night (1889) right in front of me. To be able to witness in person a painting so famous it had been referenced to in many manifestations of pop culture was such a great feat in itself. I also sat in front of Claude Monet’s Reflections of Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond (1920), trying to absorb in this majestic impressionist piece from almost a century ago.

Aside than the two, I also saw other magnificent paintings—highlights include Salvador Dalí, Henry Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso. There were also a number of sculptures, such as Constantin Brancusi’s.

2.45 PM – Painting and Sculpture II

Descending to the fourth floor, another gallery for painting and sculpture was located, but this one showed artworks from newer time, starting at around 1950s.

If you were a fan of Pop Art, then there were a lot to savor here. I was especially attracted to Jasper Johns’s ouvre, such as Flag (1954-55) and Target with Four Faces (1955). Not to mention, the Pop Art virtuoso, Andy Warhol, whose Gold Marylin Monroe (1962) and Double Elvis (1963) are on view, among others. Moving on to other genre, I also found a striking “drip” painting by the abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock as well as the late Cy Twombly’s works.

All in all, the previous two galleries became my favorite part of MoMA instantly. Filled in every corner by the works of many legendary great artists, it was hard not to.

Continue to the second page.

W_Space Kemang

Ken Jenie — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:48:54 +0000

W_Space Kemang: Surrounded by book stores, cafe’s, boutiques, and other independent creative groups W_Space is conveniently situated in Kemang, South Jakarta, perfectly nestled into Jakarta’s premier creative district.

Recently renovated, W_Space is a multipurpose venue providing sample space for a variety of functions rangin from art exhibitions, seminars and training, product launching and press events.

A generous sized off parking space provides additional convenience in a generally busy area.

W_Space Kemang

Size
180 m2Capacity
80 pax Seating – 150 pax Standing

Facilities
· Air Conditioning
· LED Track Lights
· Wooden Texture Vinyl Floor
· Restroom
· Bar Area
· Generous parking space

For Inquiries
Adityo Cahyo

adityocahyo.s@gmail.com

+62 21 719 73 19
+62 816 95 84 34

W_Space Kemang
Graha Toorak
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.998
Jakarta 12730, Indonesia

Interview with: Nia Dinata

Ken Jenie — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:35:52 +0000

Nia Dinata was born on March 4, 1970 in Jakarta. She graduated with a mass communications degree from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, US and then she participated in special programs on film production at New York University. Since returning back to Indonesia in 1995, Nia has worked on several projects such as TV programmes, TV commercials, music videos, and feature films. Best known as a filmmaker, she produced seven films Ca Bau Kan, Biola Tak Berdawai, Arisan!, Janji Joni, Berbagi Suami, Quickie Express, and a documentary feature, Pertaruhan.

Her works as a director has earned her much praise from film critics and enthusiasts around the world – with films such as Berbagi Suami being screened internationally such as New York’s Tribeca Film Festival, Arisan! Winning numerous awards in Indonesia and Best Film at Cinemasia Dilm Festival in Amsterdam.

Always an intriguing personality, Whiteboard Journal had the opportunity to visit Nia Dinata in Kalyana Shira, an independent film production house she co-founded. With Athina Ibrahim as host, we asked her questions regarding public conception of her works and some of the projects she is currently working on.

This 15th installment of Whiteboard Journal’s Roundtable Session is brought to you by two members of our internship program: Putri Hardiman & Ayesa Vawandia. With our editorial team overseeing the project, the two tirelessly planned and executed the project you are about to see. With that, Whiteboard Journal proudly presents Roundtable Session Vol.15: Nia Dinata.

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Putri Hardiman: Currently residing in Sydney, Australia, as this interview is published she is completing her final year as a media arts and production university student. Involved in movie productions, she enjoys the ups and downs of being an amateur art director and director of photography. Being an amateur gives her an upper hand where she can learn from every experience. Mostly known as a serious, awkward, hard working, hippie, loveable, cat lady. She hopes to strive in the creative arts Industry in the near future, wish her luck! Putri Hardiman’s Vimeo Page

Whiteboard Journal Roundtable Vol.15: Nia Dinata

Hosted by: Athina Ibrahim

Director of Photography: Putri Hardiman

Editor: Putri Hardiman

Thank You
Kalyana Shira
Fadil Timorindo
Heru Admadja
Ken Jenie
Ayesa Vawandia

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Kalyana Shira
Kalyana Shira Twitter
Nia Dinata Twitter

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Ayesa Vawandia: 80 years after Franz Ferdinand was shot in Sarajevo, a non-related event happened: Ayesa Vawandia was born. Tidbits, macbook, music and novels would be her heaven. She finds photography and cinematography to be amazing. She reads, she writes, she dreams. Currently majoring business in Prasetiya Mulya Business School. Berlin, London, Seoul are her dream cities. In achieving to get there, she only believes in doing what she loves.

Made by NB

Athina Ibrahim — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:54:40 +0000

The Classic 574

New Balance 574 is universally known as the most basic and popular New Balance models of all time. Since it was originally launched in 1988, its clean lines and classic colors has became the benchmark of future reinterpretations of New Balance silhouettes and over the years has given inspiration to the sneaker generations for its timeless appeal.

With street style coming full circle, footwear trends are now discovering a recent shift towards quality, craftsmanship, and comfort best delivered through the most innovative materials and technologies. New Balance celebrates this trend through its combination of classic designs and innovative approaches that have kept New Balance relevant and one of the most sought after sneakers since it first launched 100 years ago.

Made by NB

Made by NB was developed to become an online portal relating to New Balance lifestyle and the growing interesting for footwear – specifically catered to the Southeast Asia masses.

Other than becoming a source for news and updates, Made by NB is a source of reference and shines forth from its striking imagery and insightful observations from its appointed ‘Excellent Makers’.

The Excellent Makers

Widely considered as the influencers and trend-spotters in fashion, these ‘Excellent Makers’ have established themselves to be the forefront of the most remarkable trends through their respective online blogs, media, and enterprises.

Jacky (Singapore): As the founder of Singaporean label and retail space, “Sup Clothing”, Jacky has partnered and worked with the likes of HTC, Staple Design, and various sports brands on various events and product activation in his retail space. SUP is an independent clothing company that focuses primarily on apparel. What makes up SUP are a group of close friends that came from different backgrounds, culture and upbringing who bore similar dreams, passion and love for the brand Sup. Located in the trendy Haji Lane, SUP Clothing is the go-to store for established street labels and our own in house label.

Big Boy Cheng (Phillipines): The owner of Secret Fresh and Ronac Art Center, Manila’s newest destination for contemporary art and retail. He successfully catapulted Manila’s reputation as one of the premier art hub of Asia and in the world. He is also a resident DJ at Palladium Manila.

Edouard Canlas (Phillipines): Owner and editor in chief of clavel magazine. It is the only monthly Filipino magazine that is directed to the enthusiasts of street fashion, arts, culture, music, beautiful creatures and most of all, sneakers. He also owns PROGRESS, Bikefix and is the president of his construction company.

DJ Knatz (Thailand): Knatz has traveled all around Asia, played in numerous festivals and alongside many of the world’s top DJs including Steve Aoki, Diplo, Boysnoize, and Brodinski. In 2009, he was awarded Bangkok’s Favourite DJ by Smirnoff and was a main act for ‘We Own the Night’ party. He currently holds a residency Bed Supperclub and Qbar Bangkok.
www.ubradio.net/en/djs/dj-knatz-21

Chooee Hwang (Malaysia): The founder and owner of Streething.com, started Streething as an online forum in 2005 for sneaker enthusiasts around South East Asia to geek out. As forum membership grew to over 10,000 within the first year, Streething evolved from a small community of sneakerheads into the biggest group of urban culture aficionados in the region. In early 2010, streething.com launched its news blog, which has since garnered a reputation for exclusive product news, event recaps and insights into local urban culture. In 2011, Streething has collaborated with Leftfoot in designing the “Past Present Future” collection for New Balance APAC Project.
www.streething.com

Max Suriaganda (Indonesia): A graduate of Visual Communication Design from Pelita Harapan University and Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, Max Suriaganda is a reputable designer and tastemaker. Max previously worked for the award winning menswear designer John Varvatos as well as Staple Design, one of the most respected street culture apparel brands and design firm in New York City. Max is the co-founder of studio1212, Footurama, and Whiteboard journal.
www.whiteboardjournal.com

For more information:
www.madebynb.com
http://www.facebook.com/madebynb
twitter.com/madebynb

Click on the ENTER button to view the Made by NB Media Event.

A Distant Place From Home

Ken Jenie — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:25:36 +0000

Travelling is a wonderful thing. Exploring unfamiliar surroundings and cultures not only exposes us to new, exciting experiences but also opens our imaginations to what seems like an infinite number of thoughts and avenues of creative expressions. Recently our Melbourne contributor, Nadia Pramudita, had the chance to study in Germany and through the visual narrative you’re about to see very much expresses the excitement and contemplation that one experiences when discovering new isles.Bright, colorful, pictures accompany the exhilaration of discovery, while photographs that visually seems static – with deep, engrossing colors, begs a contemplative reaction from viewers. Narrating her travels in 3rd person makes the reading personal – making us readers interpret her journey through our own understanding.

A wonderful adventure, enjoy A Distant Place From Home

Nadia Pramudita, born in the dawn of September 27, 1990. Currently studying Industrial Design at Swinburne University, Melbourne, after spending six years of her earlier education in all-girls school and had been on the stage as a marching band field commander. Constantly blogging and taking photographs while trying to grasp woodworking skills which she enjoys doing. Minerals, rocks, and topography also fascinate her. Her recent projects include jewelry making, Melbourne-based magazine’s journalist, graphic design freelancing, and traditional woodworking. Apart from those things, people watching are her favorite leisure activity. http://bagelandtea.blogspot.com

Snapshot 01: Kutakatik

Athina Ibrahim — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:07:30 +0000

Kutakatik Arts & Crafts: Sisters, Kyra and Raya Pradiono’s fondness for arts & crafts was greatly influenced by an upbringing that value exploring, composing, or even making art together. Being both a graduate of graphic design, this fondness grew into an itch to constantly create and craft handmade toys, scarves, necklaces and bags, before finally deciding to open an arts & craft class by name Kutakatik, where they encourage children from the age of 3 to 14 years old to enhance their creativity with available resources of used drinking bottles, unused cardboard boxes, and many other recycled materials. For 3 years and counting, Kutakatik Arts & Crafts Class held at their own comfortable home has become a second refuge to a beloved group of children who share their passion to continually create through fun and engaging activities.

W: What’s the best thing about what you do?

Raya: Because we love arts & crafts and we can work from home with the kids
Kyra: Arts & Crafts and kids. I find the kids to be amusing and they are so unique!

W: What is your source of inspiration?

Raya: The kids
Kyra: The kids & life itself

W: What’s your current obsession?

Raya: My obsession since a long is the same, which is dancing and of course having our own one stop cozy place with several activities (not too many) for everyone to come to and feel like home but still can endorse their creativity and encourage family bonding
Kyra: Currently, I want to learn how to teach Yoga for kids and help kids with special needs

W: What books are you reading now?

Raya: Natural-Born Intuition by Lauren Thibodeau
Kyra: Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet

What music are you listening to now?

Raya: Anything that Kyra listens to! Well mostly
Kyra: Old time favorite, the Beatles

W: Name 3 people who you look up to.

Raya: My grandpa, my parents, Art for Cats, and Tante Fari (Farida Oetoyo)
Kyra: My grandpa, my parents, Anies Baswedan, Jane Goodall

W: What is your creative process?

Raya: I just spend time thinking about what I want to do and then immediately make it
Kyra: I normally plan things (or sometime it just comes up) and set a deadline for the things I make

W: What tools do you always have with you?

Raya: Pencil, Sketchbook, Black Marker and Knitting needles when I am on the road
Kyra: Pencil, Sketchbook, And a Black Marker

W: What keeps you going?

Raya: It’s not possible for me to stay idle. I always have an itch to create something. My brain keeps running around
Kyra: The kids and that I always like to try and learn something new

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SnapShots 01: Kutakatik Arts & Crafts Class

Photography by: Athina Ibrahim and Ayesa Vawandia

Thank You
Kutakatik Arts & Crafts Class
Raya Pradiono
Kyra Pradiono

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Kutakatik Arts & Crafts
JL. Kartika Alam III/28,
Jakarta, Indonesia 12310
T:2170509109
E:kutakatikartcraft@gmail.com
Kutakatik Arts & Crafts Facebook