Composite from the series ‘Arak Arakan Sepi. Flowers, stars, leaves, eyes, and countless patterns transform into billowing garments in Irene Saputra’s vibrant embroideries. The South Jakarta-based artist, who also goes by Nengiren, repeats the playful motif of nona kecil, which means “little woman” in Indonesian.
“Arak Arakan Sepi 2” Saputra’s fashion-forward character might be described as a clotheshorse who dons numerous bold outfits, some of which seem to have personalities of their own. Saputra has often referred to these styles as OOTD’s, or outfits of the day, borrowing from a hashtag historically used by fashion influencers on social media.
“Terlalu Sibuk Bergaya” The faceless figure’s cropped bob and black boots are the only commonality, as always-symmetrical wide-leg trousers or dresses vary widely. Through color, scale, and repetition, Saputra’s hand-stitched characters also coordinate and complement one another. Some, like the Arak Arakan Sepi series—meaning “quiet procession” in Indonesian—are more abstract and bulbous, while others, like “Terlalu Sibuk Bergaya,” depict more realistic outfits.
“Koleksi Mimpi Kecil”
Detail of “Koleksi Mimpi Kecil”
“Kebun Tengah Malam 1”
Detail of “Kebun Tengah Malam 1”
Arak Arakan Sepi 1
“Melankoli Biru”
“Musim Menyapa Kembali” Saputra draws on a background in graphic design and illustration, which she applies to her fiber compositions. Through the lens of women’s fashion and personal expression, she channels optimism and her own journey of motherhood. Find more on Instagram.
Dear Jacki, It's Carrol. Your art which is always the first part of your blog, is just amazing because I know you have to produce it each day. And I love the variation. Often I find my in box holding 10 or more of your daily blogs, just because I want to look at them again, or maybe there is something I want to send to a grandchild or friend. I did some handwork as a younger person, so I can really appreciate the time and creativity that it takes. When I first watched "Happiness" my skin was crawling because I recently spent 4k getting the perimeter of our home sealed since time had rusted the metal screed at the bottom of the stucco, making easy access for mice. But watching it was really delightful because it said so much about how we humans so often think things bring happiness. (Silly us!) But I think those of us lucky enough to live into our later years, often find that someone could take most of those, as long as they leave us our family and our friends. That is where our true happiness lives. (Oh, and I forgot our pets. Bentley is lying beside me, because I'm just home from a lovely trip. He shows me what true devotion, and care means on a minute by minute basis.) So to end this very long comment: I want to let you know that you bring so much happiness and love everyday to each of us who is fortunate enough to be your friend. Big thank you and big hug.
I agree with Carrol. I have been reading your blog for a long time. Enjoying the art at the beginning and all the fun stuff that comes after. Thank you very much, Jacki. From Marilyn Podoll
I have to agree with the above comments.I’m amazed you come up with the art and all the rest day after day.Thank you so much for a perfect start to my day!😻
Jacki, I'm the next one who agrees with the above comments. Only difference: your blog is the perfect end of my day. I so appreciate and love all your work for us and I don't know how to thank you properly. Sending you love and kind thoughts across the ocean.
Welcome Home Carrol and Stan! I am so happy for you to have had such a great and well-deserved trip together, and am especially glad to have you home safe and well. I am hoping you will be able to take some rest time before you jump back into your always bust schedule. Take care.
Awww, thanks so much Marilyn. Yes, I remember when you sent me an envelope of ephemera and goodies, and that you were in Marysville, WA where my good friends Denis and John Slocombe live. Do you know them?
Thank you Anonymous! I so appreciate your kind words and taking time to comment. I LOVE feedback! This originally little blog 13+ years ago has grown, morphed and moved into a big section of my life, so when it means something to someone, it helps me see it's worth it. Thanks again.
8 comments:
Dear Jacki, It's Carrol. Your art which is always the first part of your blog, is just amazing because I know you have to produce it each day. And I love the variation. Often I find my in box holding 10 or more of your daily blogs, just because I want to look at them again, or maybe there is something I want to send to a grandchild or friend. I did some handwork as a younger person, so I can really appreciate the time and creativity that it takes. When I first watched "Happiness" my skin was crawling because I recently spent 4k getting the perimeter of our home sealed since time had rusted the metal screed at the bottom of the stucco, making easy access for mice. But watching it was really delightful because it said so much about how we humans so often think things bring happiness. (Silly us!) But I think those of us lucky enough to live into our later years, often find that someone could take most of those, as long as they leave us our family and our friends. That is where our true happiness lives. (Oh, and I forgot our pets. Bentley is lying beside me, because I'm just home from a lovely trip. He shows me what true devotion, and care means on a minute by minute basis.) So to end this very long comment: I want to let you know that you bring so much happiness and love everyday to each of us who is fortunate enough to be your friend. Big thank you and big hug.
I agree with Carrol. I have been reading your blog for a long time. Enjoying the art at the beginning and all the fun stuff that comes after. Thank you very much, Jacki. From Marilyn Podoll
I have to agree with the above comments.I’m amazed you come up with the art and all the rest day after day.Thank you so much for a perfect start to my day!😻
Jacki, I'm the next one who agrees with the above comments. Only difference: your blog is the perfect end of my day.
I so appreciate and love all your work for us and I don't know how to thank you properly.
Sending you love and kind thoughts across the ocean.
Welcome Home Carrol and Stan! I am so happy for you to have had such a great and well-deserved trip together, and am especially glad to have you home safe and well. I am hoping you will be able to take some rest time before you jump back into your always bust schedule. Take care.
Awww, thanks so much Marilyn. Yes, I remember when you sent me an envelope of ephemera and goodies, and that you were in Marysville, WA where my good friends Denis and John Slocombe live. Do you know them?
Thank you Anonymous! I so appreciate your kind words and taking time to comment. I LOVE feedback! This originally little blog 13+ years ago has grown, morphed and moved into a big section of my life, so when it means something to someone, it helps me see it's worth it. Thanks again.
Thank you sweet Elenor, your comments from across the ocean mean the world to me. Thank you, again.
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