Robert Draws – Jimbaran artists Made Bayak and Tjandra Hutama have come together to create a powerful art installation titled “I Am a Tree,” which aims to highlight the urgent issue of deforestation and raise awareness about environmental conservation. This installation, part of the “Crisis” exhibition at the Jimba Art Hall. Striking example of how art can be used to address real-world issues and inspire change. Through this collaborative work, Bayak and Tjandra engage their audience in a dialogue. It’s all about the importance of trees and the ecological crisis threatening our planet.
The installation consists of tree trunks wrapped in four distinct colors: red, white, yellow, and black. These colors carry deep cultural significance, particularly in Balinese tradition. Red represents the strength of the god Brahma, white symbolizes the god Shiva, black stands for the god Vishnu, and yellow signifies the god Mahadewa. In Balinese culture, these colors are also found in Tridatu bracelets. Which represent the three stages of human life—birth, life, and death. By incorporating these colors, the installation encourages viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of life, the environment, and spirituality.
In addition, the act of wrapping trees with fabric is deeply rooted in Balinese tradition. The locals often use poleng cloth, a combination of white and yellow fabric, to honor trees. Recognizing them as vital elements in maintaining harmony with nature. This practice highlights the cultural respect for trees. Bayak and Tjandra’s installation brings that tradition into a contemporary art context. Fostering a broader understanding of the need to protect the environment.
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One unique feature of this installation is the incorporation of technology. The artists placed QR codes on the fabric that encircles the trees. When scanned, these codes lead viewers to a short film that emphasizes the importance of trees in sustaining life and calls for greater environmental responsibility. The film encourages viewers to love and protect the trees. Making the installation not just a visual art piece but an interactive experience that bridges traditional art with modern technology.
This integration of QR codes allows the installation to reach a wider audience. Especially in an age where digital interaction is a significant part of daily life. The use of technology enhances the artwork’s ability to convey its message. Allowing viewers to engage with the environmental crisis in a more personal and accessible way. By scanning the QR code, audiences can directly connect with the cause and take part in the conservation movement.
“I Am a Tree” is particularly relevant given the current state of deforestation in Indonesia. Data from Forest Watch Indonesia reveals that between 2017 and 2021, Indonesia lost an average of 2.54 million hectares of forest per year. This rate of deforestation is equivalent to losing six football fields of forest every minute. A staggering statistic that highlights the severity of the environmental crisis. The destruction of forests not only threatens biodiversity but also accelerates climate change, making this issue one of global significance.
Regions like Kalimantan, Papua, and Sumatra have been especially affected, with deforestation rates in these areas reaching alarming levels. The rapid loss of forest cover in Indonesia underscores the urgent need for environmental action. Through their installation, Bayak and Tjandra hope to raise awareness about the importance of trees. It’s also inspire a collective effort to halt deforestation and promote sustainability.
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Artists have long played a crucial role in reflecting society’s challenges and prompting critical conversations. In the case of Bayak and Tjandra, their installation serves as a reflection of the environmental crisis that is currently affecting the world. By focusing on the role of trees in maintaining ecological balance. Their artwork invites viewers to examine their own relationship with the environment and consider the long-term consequences of environmental neglect.
Additionally, the installation addresses the growing concerns surrounding tourism development in Bali, which has led to the clearing of forests and natural habitats. As tourism continues to expand, Bayak and Tjandra aim to initiate discussions about how to balance economic development with environmental preservation. Their installation highlights the importance of protecting the island’s natural resources while fostering sustainable tourism practices that do not compromise the environment.
Through “I Am a Tree,” Bayak and Tjandra aim to promote environmental conservation and encourage viewers to take action. The integration of traditional cultural elements, symbolism, and modern technology makes this installation a multifaceted tool for raising awareness about the importance of trees and their role in sustaining life on Earth. The artists hope that their work will inspire individuals to reconsider their relationship with nature and take steps toward preserving the environment for future generations.
In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, it is crucial for artists like Bayak and Tjandra to use their platforms to educate and inspire others. Their ‘I Am a Tree’ installation not only highlights the beauty of trees but also underscores the urgent need to protect them from the destructive forces of deforestation. Through this work, they invite the public to join the movement toward a more sustainable future, where trees are valued, protected, and nurtured as vital components of our planet’s ecosystem.
