Cultural Preservation with Brina
Pictured; Brina Paska, founder of Galeri Wastraku.
Brina Paska is the figure behind the Galeri Wastraku, a space currently used to showcase the richness of Indonesian culture. “Galeri Wastraku first held an exhibition for tenun in 2019 – which at the time happened quite spontaneously. I saw my mother hang up her collection of traditional cloths to air them, and I wanted more people to see it. That’s where the idea for Galeri Wastraku started," she explained when talking to HANDEP. Wastra is a word to specifically refer to traditional Indonesian cloth that carry meaning and symbols, eg. batik, tenun, ikat, and songket.
We initially met Brina because we felt we had a similar vision for cultural preservation and appreciation of traditional Indonesian crafts. Brina sees cultural heritage in two complementary categories; arts and crafts are a tangible heritage; and habits, beliefs and behavior in rituals as intangible inheritance. The relationship between the two of them made Brina feel even more passionate about exploring culture.
Pictured; Brina and Karlina Bag in Riak Danum Cream, in the lush garden space at Galeri Wastraku.
“There is so much that can be explored in every step of creation in traditional craft. And what’s unique in Indonesia is that even if the artisans live in one island, each region will have its own culture and customs," she goes on to give an example with traditional cloths and fabrics, where each piece will use a unique combination of motifs to convey a philosophy from its maker, and each step in the process is accompanied by rituals specific to the region.
Brina, who feels a deep connection with wastra, is also a fan of other forms of art and culture and channels that love through her work in Galeri Wastraku, located in Badung, Bali. She exhibits crafts from across Indonesia, with the aim of bringing visitors closer to the rich cultural heritage that Indonesian artists and artisans showcase through their work.
Her interest in the arts was closely nurtured by her parents from a young age, when she was introduced to fabrics, jewelry and cultural events. She explains that through a ‘cultural club’ formed in the family, her parents introduced her to crafts people from various villages, broadening her knowledge and connections. "Mama is also involved in the cultural sector and the work she does really inspires me to carry out my own activities," she explains.
Pictured; Brina carries Alena Work Bag Rattan in Maten Saluang, while showing off the collection that was on exhibit at Galeri Wastraku during HANDEP’s visit.
Galeri Wastraku currently holds regular exhibitions of young Indonesian artists and workshops. Brina feels that the activities she holds at the gallery not only connects her with various artists and craftsmen, but also increases her enthusiasm towards her work, because she is given the opportunity to listen to stories about their respective creative processes in various different fields and finding the raison dêtre behind their act of creation.
Brina finds that not only is she passionate about introducing cultural works and the unique characteristics of each region to the wider community, through Galeri Wastraku and Cakravala – her newest project – but she also finds joy in creating a hub for cultural connection. "When curating exhibitions or activating workshops, I am happy to be a bridge between creators and appreciators," she explains.
Visit Galeri Wastraku or follow their Instagram to get the latest updates on exhibition dates and details.
