Alam Takambang Jadi Guru 自然的啟示

(English Name: The Wisdom of Wilderness )

Paint on plywood, Hand tufted carpet

Commissioned by Spirit of Sumatra exhibition in 2024

Artwork Description

In designing this piece, besides wanting to convey the importance of the relationship between humans and nature, we also sought personal connections that link us to the island of Sumatra. 

For instance, we have family members living in Sumatra, the coffee we enjoy originates from there, and some of the plants we paint are native to Sumatra. This deeper connection allowed us to explore the theme and concept more profoundly, which we aim to present visually. 

The beauty of Indonesia’s nature, particularly the island of Sumatra, serves as the main inspiration for this artwork. We aim to reimagine Sumatra through a two-dimensional installation, blending murals and pop-up carpets to adapt and reflect the diversity of nature.

To us, nature is an invaluable heritage. Spending time in nature, trekking through forests, and enjoying the scenery provide both inspiration and reflection. These experiences remind us to be grateful for the connection between humans and nature, humans with one another, and humans with the divine. The presence of rare fauna, flora, Mount Kerinci, coffee beans, water elements, and local cultural elements like the Batak tribe woven pattern “Ulos”—which symbolizes balance, happiness, and prosperity—form the core of this work. We also incorporate the Batak traditional house, “Bolon,” which functions as a gathering place for extended families. 

Additionally, we visualize palm oil plants on a very small flag to represent human needs, reminding us to prioritize balance with nature. The selection of these visual objects is an adaptation of Sumatra’s authenticity, seen through our perspective as artists. The connection between humans and nature is crucial for our survival as living beings. It is important to appreciate what already exists, to improve what must be fixed, and to maintain balance and harmony with the environment. 

Preserving this relationship is not just about protecting the ecosystem but also about safeguarding the quality of life, health, and our future. So we have several title options for this work, one of which is “Alam Takambang Jadi Guru,” in the Minangkabau language, which means: “Nature and its surroundings are a valuable source of learning.

About the Artist

Indonesian artist duo TEMPA, comprised of husband and wife Putud Utama (b. 1991) and Rara Kuastra (b. 1992), have been collaborating since 2015. Their works—spanning paintings, murals, and installations—explore the concept of keselarasan (harmony) by connecting personal experiences to larger global narratives.

TEMPA’s creative process begins with sketches, drawings, and digital designs, which are collaged into cohesive artworks. This dynamic process merges their ideas into nuanced, decorative pieces that provoke reflection on harmony in everyday life and the world around us.

The duo often works with materials such as canvas, wood, and metal, creating layered installations that use personal history as a lens to explore interconnectedness. Their art conveys the idea that life’s patterns—shaped by relationships, possessions, skills, and experiences—are deeply intertwined, forming a harmonious whole within the universe.

IG: @_tempa_