Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) students collaborated with Darbotz, an Indonesian mural artist to explore creativity in urban arts. More than 30 senior school students showcased their artistic capabilities on the school’s wall.
Photo courtesy of Jakarta Intercultural School/NOW!JAKARTA
JIS has focused on art and culture to develop its students’ talents and character. In the collaboration with Darbotz, students had the opportunity to interact with an artist who has built a name in the visual arts in the country.
Darbotz is known for his black-and-white Cumi-Kong character strokes. His artwork can be found in various corners in Jakarta such as Artotel Thamrin, Maple Hotel Grogol, as well as in international art exhibitions and public buildings. Students were invited to observe mural painting techniques that Darbotz applies to hundreds of his works.
During the workshop series with Darbotz, students simultaneously conducted basic sketches inspired by the JIS Batik philosophy on a 2 x 15 metre wall, finished by Darbotz who gives it a touch of his signature trademark.
Jason Maddock, a visual arts teacher at JIS, who helped organise this event said the painting wall or mural art is a medium to become more sensitive and care about the surrounding culture as well as the public.
Maddock added that based on its urban characteristics, the method of mural arts is quite flexible and can be done whenever the inspiration strikes which can be the right choice to cultivate an interest in the arts. "Students can learn from mistakes and then proceed how to resolve these errors. The growth mindset is what we want to plant into each of our students," Maddock said.
Furthermore, the introduction of modern art and Indonesian culture is expected to foster a sense of love for students to increase their concern for the world, which is in line with the mission of the school to prepare every student to be the best citizen.
Previously, JIS invited prominent Indonesian artists such as theatre performer and director Putu Wijaya, renowned ceramic artist Bregas Harrimardoyo, and world-class mastermind puppeteer (Dalang) Ki Purbo Asmoro as the part of the series of special art workshops for its students.
