BLACK/WHITE MYTH

• Main Author: Suryadi, Ricky
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/43723
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

This project started from the writer's interest in the validity of identity, and is an exploration of the elements that shape one's self. The search was based on writer’s experiences that are heavily influenced by various elements such as physical, religion, political condition, geographical, culture, feelings, subconscious, parental influence, etc. These elements shape someone into their identity. Here, the writer began to question whether the culture and religion that was heavily enforced by authorities was truly the only way to define self. Borrowing a narrative from Greek mythology, “The Abduction of Persephone”,the writer wants to illustrate the ambiguity of identity by using the myth's narration about how one person's identity could be shaped by the tragedy occurring around them. In this Final Project, the writer made the painting using oil paint on canvas, with the objective of symbolically conveying this ambiguity. The paintings are chronological, the sequence of images coming together to form a continuous story based on the myth. Each painting takes a character from the story and the issues they represent, brought together by the writer into cohesive symbolic image that turns the story of “The Abduction of Persephone” into the ambiguous nature of identity, between black/white. Thus, this project is not another illustrated retelling, but to bring attention to the issues accompanying the ambiguity of identity. In conclusion, this project became a medium in which the writer could express and explore the connections between his personal experiences and the everchanging nature of self.