Dias Prabu, At least we can prepare for it (when the future comes), 2024, drawing batik with remasol dyes, batik wax, textile paint on silk cotton fabric, 2024
Dias Prabu creates an epic batik that helps us connect to the earth that sustains life.
In Javanese puppetry mythology, a snake/dragon figure often appears in every traditional story. One of them is named Antaboga or Sang Hyang Anantaboga, the gods who rule the underworld (Saptapratala) or the seventh layer of the earth. When Antaboga married Dewi Supreti, they were blessed with their first daughter, Dewi Nagagini. The figure of Nagagini was the initial inspiration for the creation of this work. She is a goddess who is depicted in the form of a half-snake and half-human who has beauty, care and kindness.
The mythological story of Dewi NagaginiNagini/Nagin has provided a space for exploration. It helps me interpret the power of the elements of the underworld—what lies under the earth. It helps us as humans to always be down to earth and maintain this world as best we can. We can only maintain and preserve it as a form of concern for this old world, which will later be passed on to the next generations. No one knows about the future, but at least the book can prepare for it. Stories from the past, such as mythology, have provided a visualization of stories that are a form of life lessons.
Snakes or dragons in Javanese mythology are also in that stage, where every story lifted into the puppet story reflects how we live our lives from what happened in the past, doing something for today and preparing for the future. Snakes/Dragons are symbols of blessings, fertility, strength and security that should be able to bring us peace and optimism to face the future.
There are several elements inside this work, such as fire, wood, and ground. When they work together, every element represents life’s guidance, hope, and purpose. However, sometimes, when the elements work unusually, it feels like “we want to work for something, but our body and mind aren’t ready enough to do it” (element of fire).
I asked my friend about my birthday in terms of the Javanese calendar. He said that I have a moon character, the element of ground, and my colours are yellow, green, and brown.
That is the most colour background of this work is more browny. This work is part of my healing for me. That is why I have put some words to give some spirit of life for me to whoever reads about it.
Dias Prabu, At least we can prepare for it (when the future comes), 2024, drawing batik with remasol dyes, batik wax, textile paint on silk cotton fabric, 2024
About Dias Prabu
Dias Prabu, born in Malang, East Java, is a contemporary visual artist known for his work in mural painting and batik. He gained recognition after winning a national mural design competition at the National Gallery of Indonesia in 2014, which led him to explore various regions of Indonesia and eventually transition to batik art. Prabu’s batik works often blend traditional motifs with contemporary themes, addressing issues like environmental degradation and cultural heritage while drawing inspiration from Javanese mythology and personal narratives. Follow @diasprabu. Dias is a member of Kultura Collectiva.
