Jakarta - Yogyakarta-based artist Ipeh Nur is showcasing her installation, ”The Waves Not to Sleep,” at ART Jakarta 2025, following a successful presentation of the work-rooted in the Javanese myth of Nyi Roro Kidul-in Ukraine last year.
The 4 x 2.5 meter installation, constructed with soil and lime from Southern Java, features an 11-minute video art piece exploring Nur’s grandfather’s spiritual journeys along the southern coast of Java, from Parangkusumo to Sadeng Beach and the purba Bengawan Solo River. The work draws inspiration from the labuhan or sea alms ceremonies traditionally held each Suro (Javanese New year).
“Actually this work is a memory about grandfather, who traveled from Parangkusumo to Sadeng Beach, Muara Bengawan Solo Purba. very fitting (making videos) there is a labuhan event or sea alms,” Nur stated on Thursday,October 4th.
nur’s project began as a personal exploration of family history, sparked by stories from her mother about her grandfather’s spiritual beliefs. “For me this is a personal work, which has a private conflict when I live in the south and north with a more religious and south experience with spiritual,” she explained. The title, “The Waves not to sleep,” reflects the cyclical nature of memory, mirroring the constant return of waves.
The artist’s research extends beyond personal recollection, delving into geological records and the mythology surrounding Nyi Roro Kidul. “I also question again, who is famous for myth Nyi Roro Kidul and found a geological research record, geological evidence where the age of ancient earth in southern Java, just like the appearance of Nyi Roro Kidul’s story,” Nur said. She is interested in how mythology can serve as a record of past disasters, viewing myths as “recording an crucial event or disaster.”
Nur received the Anugerah Future Generation Award from the Victor Pinchuk Foundation for her presentation of the Nyi Roro Kidul mythology in Ukraine last year. “The waves Not to Sleep” is now on display at ART Jakarta 2025 in the AJ Spot program in front of Ara Contemporary, and will be available for viewing thru the weekend.
