Join us for an artist workshop with our Perth Festival artist, Abdi Karya!

In the traditional culture of South Sulawesi, the sarung (sarong) is far more than a garment. It functions as a working tool, a social signal, and a personal metaphor. Its simple rectangular form and circular use make it extremely versatile. Historically crafted from natural silk, plant fibres, and cotton, the sarung appears in the narratives of the Indonesia–Australia sea cucumber trade. From the 1700s to the 1900s, it served as a commodity and medium of exchange, as well as a practical tool for trepang gatherers working alongside Australian First Peoples.

In this workshop, Abdi shares the cultural history and living presence of the sarung within the Indonesian archipelago, while inviting participants into an open, exploratory space to engage with their own stories and bodies through the sarung. Open to everyone of all experience levels - from children to adults - the workshop tells a story of personal expression and collective narratives through this versatile cloth.

Artist bio

Abdi Karya is a multidisciplinary artist from South Sulawesi who works across Bugis and Makassar traditions while engaging contemporary art practices to address local, interlocal, national, and global issues. His solo works, collaborations, and artistic exchanges with Australian and Yolŋu artists have been presented on multidisciplinary platforms across Indonesia, Europe, New York, Asia, and Australia.

Most recently, in collaboration with Skinnyfish Music, Abdi is developing a contemporary opera inspired by a love story between Australian Aboriginal people and the Makassans, further exploring shared histories and enduring cross-cultural connections.

Banner Image: Portrait of Abdi Karya, supplied by artist.

Photography

This event will be photographed and/or videoed and images will occasionally be used for promotional and marketing purposes, including social media. If you do not wish to be photographed or videoed, please notify staff at event registration.

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome at the John Curtin Gallery. Plan your visit to the John Curtin Gallery.

Contact the host of Perth Festival Artist Workshop - Talking threads. Dancing Weave.

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