EXPLORATION OF SEKALA NISKALA ILLUSTRATIONS AS INSPIRATION FOR INTERIOR CERAMIC PRODUCT

• Main Author: Prihatini, Yarah
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/55233
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Sekala and Niskala are beliefs held by Balinese people. The Sekala world is a visible and tangible realm, depicted by symbols of the underworld and something that exists on earth, namely the universe. Niskala realm is an invisible and virtual realm, depicted by symbols of the upper world with the meaning of protection towards Oneness. Such as the symbol for the top, umbrella, and something that is facing upwards like a sharp point on a keris. Art and culture are inspirations for art actors in their work. The diversity of traditions and culture in Indonesia is something that is interesting to be appointed as a ceramic work. This study discusses the depiction of Sekala and Niskala beliefs in Balinese society. Through the semiotic approach, an analysis of the forms that describe the Sekala and Niskala beliefs is carried out. Roland Barthes argues that semiotics basically wants to study how humanity interprets things (Sobur, 2004:15). This belief directs the Balinese people to live a balanced life. In order to attain the universe, it is very important to have a balance between the two worlds which are transnational and impermanent, by establishing a harmonious relationship between God, humans and the universe. Even so, there are still many tourists, especially those from foreign countries who are not familiar with Balinese culture and still do not pay attention to the restrictions that exist there so that they ignore the implicit beliefs that are applied there and behave casually. Seeing a phenomenon like this, the creator tries to provide a medium of recognition and remembrance through ceramic installation art with the concept of Sekala and Niskala, so that tourists and Balinese people themselves appreciate Balinese beliefs more and so that the philosophy of life of the Balinese people still underlies their every behavior in the face of influence. globalization. By raising the concept of Sekala Niskala which is visualized in ceramic installation works and using the medium to articulate ideas that can reflect efforts to recognize and remind about the importance of understanding the concept of Sekala Niskala as a balancer for the welfare of life.