RIAK SUAKA: SELF-CENSORSHIP IN WOMEN THROUGH KINETIC INSTALLATION

• Main Author: Chaerunissa, Syifa
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/83635
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Self-censorship is a conscious and voluntary action in controlling behavior or speech without direct instruction. Self-censorship often originates from parenting patterns in unsafe environments and is reinforced by gender stereotypes in patriarchal societies. During the New Order regime in Indonesia, the concept of “Ibuism” placed women in domestic roles under men while also limiting their movements, especially for vulnerable groups such as breadwinners, individuals with disabilities, or those from underdeveloped areas. This idealization of women is referred to as femininity. In essence, self-censorship is a form of self-protection from the power relations present around women. The artwork "Riak Suaka" explores the blurred boundaries between protection and restraint using lace fabric on umbrellas that open and close automatically, reflecting women's resilience in their environment. The analysis of the work shows that the automatic movement of the umbrella reflects the paradox of protection and restraint. The umbrellas’ continuous opening and closing signify illusory protection while simultaneously symbolizing the repetitive action of selfcensorship. The sounds and vibrations produced as the umbrella moves add a performative dimension to the work, illustrating the tension between protection and restraint experienced by women. This work not only portrays women's resilience in facing a constraining environment but also critiques and deconstructs the social construction of femininity that perpetuates self-censorship