MEKAR
2025
Event | Collaboration | Exchange
The stage grew dark, then a figure appeared, walking slowly, wearing something unusual. Was it leather? It doesn’t look as such. Curious!
As the audience gaped at the mystifying display of light and music, movement and pauses, the narrator began telling the enchanting story of the often overlooked organisms called fungi and bacteria.
Sometimes the story behind the curious biomaterials can’t be merely written on a piece of paper placed next to a product. Sometimes, the perfect blend of performance art, multimedia, and fashion is the answer to unravel the intricate narrative of the materials.
MEKAR, or ‘to bloom’ in both the Indonesian and Malaysian languages, symbolises the continuous creative journey that exceeds boundaries and countries and seamlessly unites various disciplines.
What was thought to be strange and impossible, like growing a leather-like material by using organic waste, became a channel of artistic expression. Bringing not only the scientific tale of such wonder, but also touches the hearts of those who witness the performance, and brings them to empathise with the incredible organisms.
It started as an idea,
What if we could spice up the showcasing of alternative materials and take it to the next level? Instead of displaying it on a pedestal, it can be turned into something engaging, entertaining, yet still very much eye-opening.
Cross-nation collaboration
Located very close to each other, with sometimes overlapping geographical and cultural aspects, Indonesia and Malaysia have strong potential for joint efforts in raising awareness of alternative materials. So within this project, we worked with Bioeconomy Corporation, a Malaysian development corporation that drives biotechnology at the forefront of Malaysia’s economic growth; CAST Foundation, an Indonesian platform that bridges art and culture with science and technology; Borneo Laboratory, a multidisciplinary laboratory of aesthetics based in Kuching, Malaysia; and the University of Malaysia, Sarawak.
In alignment with the theme ‘Motif: Amalan’ (Motive: Practice), we created The Other Labs together with ARTJOG 2025. In this experimental activation, we invited the audience to tinker around to solve the common problems without the pressure of perfection.
In which design diplomacy plays an important role
The exchange of ideas, values, knowledge, and culture was a huge part of the process in the making of MEKAR: a rite of growth. Throughout the concepting phase of the project, back-and-forth discussions among actors from the two countries took place. Alternative materials from Indonesia were responded to by designers at the University of Malaysia, Sarawak, resulting in marvellous costume design and breathtaking performance during the IDECS25 Gala Dinner.
“The Others Lab is an effort to democratize design, bringing it out of the ivory tower and integrating it into everyday life as a collective ‘practice’.”
Exchange of knowledge, exchange of opportunities
Once the performance was over, the audience could still see the costumes as well as more alternative materials in the exhibition booth. Our team also stood by to answer questions as the audience interacted with the products. The results were not only the wondering eyes, but also several interests in adopting Indonesian materials into products in various industries.
Through this collaboration, it proves that creative collaboration between two neighbouring countries is not only possible but has resulted in incredible outcomes. New works of art in response to alternative materials were created, showing the exciting potential of further experimentation. Not only that, but the showcasing of the Indonesian bio-based alternative materials during the event, it opens them up to the international market. Possible opportunities for industry collaboration on the materials were discussed (and will continue to be explored!)
A hands-on experience…
For those who seek to try their hands at turning waste into usable products, The Other Labs provided a station for it. Step by step, the participant can work with Mortier on transforming bits of plastic bottle waste into an object they can use and cherish—their very own souvenir from ARTJOG25—while also contributing to the environment.
Who would have thought,
That they turn ground coffee waste into something they can use in daily life? Perhaps something they can put their morning coffee cup on? Together with Regoods, we carried out exciting workshops that invited the participants to turn coffee waste into ARTJOG25 exclusive coasters.
In which art and design meet.
The question of “How can everyday waste reshape the industries of tomorrow?” was presented during the public talk. We invited material and product designers who had contributed to the Design Matters Lab program, along with the audience, to help answer this question. Artists, academics, practitioners, and enthusiasts came together to rethink the industry through collaboration and sustainability.
ARTJOG25 audiences had the opportunity to bring home not only the awesome souvenirs they made by themselves using recycled waste, but also the thrilling idea of how design can shape our better future.