For Patriot Mukmin, photo weaving brings two visual memories together into something new and deeply personal.
Patriot Mukmin, a visual artist and PhD candidate at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, ran a photo weaving workshop at Pasar Senja. Alongside his doctoral studies, he also lectures at his alma mater, the Faculty of Art and Design at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
The technique is inspired by a childhood activity many Indonesians will remember: weaving coloured paper strips in primary school. But instead of plain paper, participants weave two photographs together, creating an entirely new image.
"People might have taken photos before, they might have tried weaving, but chances are, they've never woven photographs together," Patriot told SBS Indonesian.
He's been exploring this technique since 2014, experimenting with different materials, including paper, fabric, canvas, and paintings. Photo weaving is now a key part of his PhD research.
Having studied and taught in both countries, Patriot sees clear differences in how art is taught. At ITB, he said, where the fine arts tradition dates back to 1947, there's a strong focus on social reflection and contemporary issues. At the Victorian College of the Arts, conceptual and experimental approaches take centre stage, Patriot said.
For Patriot, art and culture are essential for diaspora communities far from home.
When you become part of a diaspora, you're uprooted from home. That can leave you feeling lost, confused, questioning who you are. That's where art and culture come in. They help you reconnect with what's been missing.Patriot Mukmin, artist
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