Research Reflections
The ongoing project explores the connection between Indonesia and Portugal, beginning with the idea of investigating their colonial historical ties and the institutional archives that preserve these stories. This project revolves around diasporic, personal connections, and institutional memories, focusing on how these narratives are preserved and interpreted through various archives and stories.
The research addresses which institutions hold the archival connections between Portugal and Indonesia, how to reimagine forgotten histories that have faded over time, and how to relate to the history of Palacio Iglesias as their diasporic connection also from Spain to Portugal. A part of the investigation that involves exploring to examine the link of symbolic representations adding a personal dimension to the broader research context.
( The crows and the Sailing Ships -Naus- used in the Portuguese Sea Discoveries)
During residency, I uncover historical and cultural artefacts that bind the histories of Indonesia and Portugal. Institutions like Archivio Ultramarino and the MUNHAC Collection are preserving these memories. From Archivio Ultramarino we found documents such as the Macassar Road Map and historical postcards, which provide tangible links to the colonial past. And from the MUNHAC collection, like the butterfly from Natuna and spices from the Maluku Islands, such as clove and nutmeg.
Both chosen artifacts become the center of symbolic representations and as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of memory and history. Which highlight the first place where Portuguese landed in Indonesia and the economic commodity of the Indonesian archipelago while symbolising the exploitation and cultural exchange of colonial times.
In essence, this artistic inquiry seeks not only to document and analyze the colonial ties but also to reflect on the enduring impact of these connections on contemporary identities and memories. By bridging personal stories with institutional archives, the research highlights the multifaceted nature of history and the importance of preserving and reinterpreting our collective past. Ultimately, this project aims to foster a deeper understanding of the colonial legacy and its lasting influence on modern-day cultural and historical consciousness.
Exhibition is planning in Summer 2025 at Palacio des Belas Artes Lisbon, Portugal