Heri Dono
* 1960 Jakarta, Indonesia.
Barong. 2005
Installation, paper sculpture
The artist about his work
The Barong depicts a mythical beast in many animal forms. In Hindu mythology, the Barong is known as Banusapati Raja, or Lord of the Forest. The Barong is also seen as a holy animal, often depicted as a consecrated mask that is treated with respect. The Barong is never allowed to touch the ground. Its magic resides in its body and the clothes it wears.
For the Chinese traditional dance, especially during Chinese New Year, there will be festivals and celebrations with cultural performances. There are also dragon and lion parades. In Indonesia, the Barong is called Barongsai. Today the Chinese culture is allowed to be performed in public space. During the Suharto regime from 1967 until 1998, all Chinese art, culture, religion, ceremony, and even the Chinese language were prohibited in Indonesia.
In Bali island in Indonesia, the Barong is also used for dance ceremonies. Because the Balinese live together with nature, the Barong always reminds them of humans’ coexistence on Earth with nature and animals. They see the Barong as a symbol of the God of Earth who protects the animals in the forest.
© Heri Dono. Text published in the catalogue of Sharjah Biennial 7, 2005.
© Photos: Haupt & Binder, Universes in Universe
Teil 3 der Fototour durch die Sharjah Biennale 7, 6. April - 6. Juni 2005. Präsidentin & Chef-Direktorin: Hoor Al Qasimi. Kurator: Jack Persekian; Ko-Kuratoren: Ken Lum und Tirdad Zolghadr. 70 Beteiligte.