La Sirene (2023)
The Erasmus Huis Jakarta is proud to present an interdisciplinary exhibition and performance themed La Sirène. Across diverse cultures, there exists a powerful myth of an oceanic guardian—a being with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. This shared legend links the Caribbean, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and West Africa, celebrating a mystical entity that protects and governs the seas.
The ocean, an endless archive of secrets from our past, is central to this narrative. For many communities whose livelihoods and economies are tied to the sea, the myths of underwater wisdom resonate deeply.
The title "La Sirène" refers to a Caribbean mythical being, embodying a beautiful woman with a fish's tail, who dwells at the boundary between the ordinary and the magical maritime realms, safeguarding its hidden knowledge.
Visual artist and curator Richard Kofi, along with choreographer and dancer Junadry Leocaria, explore this enchanting mythology through their latest project, La Sirène. This exhibition and performance delve into how Indonesian, West African, Dutch, and Caribbean (hi)stories interweave, ebbing and flowing into one another like the tides.
Rooted in the concept of the Black Aquatic, as introduced by scholars Rinaldo Walcott and Christina Sharpe, La Sirène reimagines the ocean as a symbolic space of black identity and resilience. The project also draws inspiration from Paul Gilroy’s Black Atlantic theory, expanding it to embrace contemporary migration and cultural exchange. The ocean, in this context, is not just a connector but a site of profound historical and ongoing significance, echoing the struggles and triumphs of black communities across the globe.
La Sirène is a celebration of solidarity, cultural exchange, and artistic innovation. Richard Kofi and Junadry Leocaria invite dancers, performers, and visual artists from diverse backgrounds to blend their unique styles with the thematic essence of water and maritime mythology. This collaboration seeks to reflect on the enduring influence of the Middle Passage and the contemporary currents of migration, aiming to uncover new possibilities for artistic freedom and identity formation.
From February 6th to February 8th, 2023, the dance production will grace the stage, while the exhibition will be on display at Erasmus Huis until May 14th, 2023. Among the talented dancers are Brisbania Ayu Saraswati Bhakti, Danu Anggada Bimantara, Kathrine Permatasari, Kezia Alyssa Sandy, Mimi Korompis, Rajendra Amira Leila S, Shakira Diva Dovendra Maretazanetti, and Vito Prasasta Adipurwanto. The remarkable artists featured in the exhibition include Tiara Alifa Putri Pratomoaji, Liesna Sri Subianto, Tisonbaim, Jesus Cedeno, and Kelvin Djunadi.
La Sirène stands as a testament to the power of art in unifying people and exploring universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries. It emphasizes black empowerment, cultural awareness, and artistic authenticity, celebrating the profound connections between history, identity, and creative expression.
La Sirène explores the profound connections between the sea and Paul Gilroy's Black Atlantic theory. The sea serves as a living archive of both pain and strength, reflecting the history of the Transatlantic slave trade and the ongoing movements of black communities around the world. Through the lens of the Black Aquatic, this project highlights the maritime symbolism inherent in black identity and emancipation. The ocean is seen as a source of both survival and resistance, intertwining stories of migration, cultural exchange, and resurgence. La Sirène invites us to embrace this complex and rich history while engaging with the continuous dynamics of black consciousness and artistic authenticity.
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