It combines Nusantara textiles with contemporary art, offering visitors a visually captivating and meaningful display

Art and fashion are often viewed as separate realms, but in reality, they are deeply interconnected in creating unique visual expressions. Fashion is more than just a necessity; it is also a powerful medium for conveying ideas, identity, and social commentary—values that are also present in art. Over time, the lines between these two fields have blurred, with fashion designers drawing inspiration from artists and artists turning their work into clothing.

The collaboration between art and fashion has led to exciting innovations, such as fabrics with artistic patterns and clothing designs that transform into immersive art installations. Exhibitions that merge both art and fashion are not just about showcasing clothing; they are profound artistic statements that encourage the audience to feel and understand the deeper meaning behind the works.

A notable example of this fusion is the collaboration between Sejauh Mata Memandang (SMM) and artist Eko Nugroho at Plaza Indonesia. This exhibition brings together Nusantara textiles and contemporary art, resulting in works that are visually captivating and rich in meaning.

The exhibition, running from February 20 to April 30, 2025, builds on their previous collaboration, Republik Sebelah Mata, which was showcased at DEWI Fashion Knights during Jakarta Fashion Week 2025. In this exhibition, visitors can explore 25 fashion designs that were originally presented at the prestigious event. Each collection offers not only fashion's beauty but also an immersive artistic experience.

Felix Tjahyadi, a key figure from the earlier collaboration, returns as the creative director and co-designer for this collection. As visitors enter the exhibition space, they are welcomed by an iconic installation featuring a special Sejauh Mata Memandang x Eko Nugroho carpet. Made from organic palm kernel shell material, the carpet replaces fossil fuels with renewable energy, reinforcing the exhibition's environmentally conscious theme.

In addition to the installations, visitors can explore the pop-up store, which offers a variety of products from SMM and DGTMB, Eko Nugroho's art label. The store features textiles, shawls, and limited edition hand-drawn batik scarves, further enhancing the visual experience of the exhibition.

One of the most striking parts of the exhibition is "Ruang Malam," an installation that explores the darker side of life. The space features three all-black garments, designed as a response to injustice. Through these designs, a narrative of sadness, disappointment, and resistance unfolds, echoing the social critique often present in Eko Nugroho’s work.

The Sejauh Mata Memandang x Eko Nugroho exhibition at Plaza Indonesia is not just an art and fashion event; it is an inclusive exploration of art itself. With its meaningful fashion collections, art installations filled with social narratives, and interactive experiences for visitors, this exhibition demonstrates that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also a medium for cultural expression and reflection.

The exhibition also offers ready-to-wear products that visitors can purchase on-site. It is hoped that this collaboration will inspire more people to appreciate the creative process and support local talent. Visitors can experience the beauty and surprises of each work displayed and leave more inspired to continue supporting local creativity.

photo source : instagram.com/aquinaldoadrian

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