31.10.13

Childhood Tales

Children's books often make readers of all ages smile, even if the story does not end happily. The colourful illustrations and heart-warming tales typically found in these books, however, can make older readers forget that they, too, are works of literature. Is it possible for us to regain our literary appreciation towards stories that used to make us wonder when we were children?

28.10.13

Building the Mind

Architecture is so close to our daily lives that we hardly seem to notice it. Yes, we see buildings, but we rarely look beyond the structures that stand before us — even those that give us shelter. This month's selection features 10 books that will makes rethink about the way we think of architecture, the pillar of manmade envrionments. All titles are available for purchase at Kinokuniya bookstores in Jakarta.

24.10.13

Games Beyond Violence

Caught up in the debate about video game violence, we take as given that games must contain violence in the first place. As a devoted gamer himself, Abebe Tinari attempts to shine light on that common misconception.

23.10.13

We Discuss #4 Summary

On October 22, Whiteboard Journal hosted our fourth meeting at Kinokuniya Plaza Senayan. Despite the traffic, a solid group of participants came and shared their opinions on art. While “art” is an extremely broad word is by no means an easy subject to talk about, the fact that its elements can be found in just about any discipline, it is something that many can relate to. - There are two ways to define of art: 1.) the institutional definition (as validated by museums, galleries, and individuals who are recognized as experts in the field), and 2.) the personal definition (what is relatable to each person). - Works of art are often seen as statements (i.e. objects that communicate a particular message). - Context is extremely important in creating, understanding, and appreciating art. It is what makes something significant and meaningful within a certain era or society. - The problem in Indonesia is that there is a tendency to create without putting too much attention to the local context. - The creative process – that is, the process of making a piece of art – requires more than the artist’s skills, as it also entails the need to nurture a particular sensitivity to one’s surroundings. - At this point, honesty is more important than originality. Artists ought to be open about what inspires them and influences their work. - According to the personal definition of art, it comes down to being honest to oneself instead of pleasing others (although with whom one intends to share the artwork with is also an important factor). - Art is a person’s attempt to turn his or her feelings into something tangible. - The purpose of an artwork changes the process. - Representative vs. non-representative art - In some cases, it might be a good idea to avoid overanalyzing art since not all works of art contain a hidden meaning. - Art does not always have to be aesthetically pleasing. It is more about how it affects people emotionally. - In the end, “Art is not supposed to make you think, it’s supposed to make you feel.” We would like to thank those who came and contributed to the fourth We Discuss meeting. We hope to see you again in future discussions. Look out for announcements about next month’s discussion on on our website, Facebook page, as well as our Twitter and Instagram account!    

21.10.13

Kollekan Ceramics

We use ceramic goods in our daily life more than we realize it. Our bowls, mugs, even floor tiles are made out of ceramics. Have you ever thought about how are they made? Did it ever cross your mind to learn how to make it? Have you ever thought that it could be fun if you learnt how to make your own ceramic mug or bowl? Kollekan studio and gallery lets the curious among us become acquainted with pottery.

17.10.13

Chapter Two

A tiger named Monsoon complicates the relationship of a couple. "Jealousy only exists where there's love," goes a line in the second part of Rain Chudori's short stories series, "Monsoon Tiger." Who will win the heart of the story's protagonist? Will the relationship survive despite the tiger's presence?

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