The Flying Cloth, Merdi Sihombing Designer's Journey To Unite Traditions And The Future

The Flying Cloth collection of Merdi Sihombing (Doc. Merdi Sihombing) designers

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Museum in Jakarta will be a stage for celebrating the journey of textile and fashion designer Merdi Sihombing, through The Flying Cloth which will be held from 11 to 24 November 2024.

This event presented by the Ministry of Culture, the Indonesian Heritage Agency and the National Museum of Indonesia will celebrate Merdi's struggle to build community empowerment in various remote parts of Indonesia for 25 years.

"This exhibition is not only an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the work, but also a strong first step towards changing the way we view fashion. Every work at this event brings stories and messages about my long journey for 25 years, exploring various corners of the archipelago and building communities that live and develop from their own cultural heritage," said Merdi in an official statement received by VOI.

Merdi has traveled around Indonesia, exploring hidden corners and living with indigenous peoples, in order to revive the weaving tradition that is rich in value. Through his long journey, together with the Merdi Sihombing Foundation and Eco Fashion Indonesia, he witnessed that the lifestyle and work of local people reflects the harmony between humans and nature. This experience reinforces Merdi's belief that cultural heritage and sustainability principles are things that need to be appreciated and passed on to the next generation.

"Young Generations have great power to bring change, and this event is also an opportunity for them to start, and be inspired by the spirit of empowerment and sustainability that I find in every corner of this country," he said.

From the uniqueness of the Baduy community in Banten who faithfully maintain harmony with nature, to the underwater charm of Alor which emits beautiful colors, the performance of The Flying Cloth will bring visitors along every corner of the country through the Merdi collection, a visual story about the beauty of culture that crosses the time.

Merdi advised, 'Come, and watch for yourself how every cloth can connect us with our ancestors, and how our fashion choices today can create a better future for us and future generations.'

Moving On Sustainable Traditions

In addition to opening with the galaception and fashion show, The Flying Cloth will also be colored by various workshops, seminars and creative talks for two weeks. This series of events will provide an opportunity for the public to explore the concept of sustainable fashion.

A number of topics raised include natural coloring education, the impact of the fast fashion industry on climate change, ethnomathic design patterns in ulos which are full of meaning, fashion films and fashion photography. Sources involved include Merdi Sihombing, Eriek N Juragan, Ferry Zulfrizer, Bramsky and practitioners from the Jakarta Arts Institute,menhop Fashion Academy, Fashion Program at Bina Nusantara University and others.

The Flying Cloth will also liven up a magical atmosphere, through the traditional Batak Karo wedding ceremony and a gungdang show under full moon light, featuring Gerdang Simalungun, Gordang Sambangan and Gondang Sabangunan Toba which will provide an unforgettable cultural experience.

Complementing this celebration is an installation exhibition that tells the story of Merdi's visual journey for 25 years from various parts of Indonesia. This installation project involves artist Heri Pemad as art director and Ignatia Nilu as curator.