Taste of Freedom in Fashion

By Dwi S. Wibowo

 —happines is the secret of all beauty,

 there is no beauty without happiness (Dior)—

 Beauty is fundamental (essence) of every woman, regardless of race, color, or the status of a person's wealth. A French designer Cristian Dior has expressed his thought about beauty and life that beauty can be emitted only from a happiness.

The same passion and visualization is also found in the works of the woman artist who born in Sanur Bali, Nyoman Sani. In her solo exhibition titled "Beauty" that held in Lestary art space this March 6 2015, Sani presenting variative color of woman, especially from one of her work tittled “Janger” that visualize five womans who stand the same tall, each one using kebaya, traditional balinese dress with bright and briliant color also at the same time enahance by their cheerful expression. The woman’s figure on Sani’s painting seems far away from psychological burden that imprison them as a representation of Balinese woman.

In contrast to most other female artists who compact raise the issue of feminism or gender inequalities that often experienced by women in a patriarchal culture, Nyoman Sani chose to stand on the opposite side.

In her point of view, women are no longer subjected to discrimination as much fighting by the feminist, rather in this modern era that give huge possibility for everyone to access the information freely, with all forms of  advance technology that indicate the rapid progression of woman’s position democratization either dealing with family, culture and social life. They have the same opportunities as men in determining the choices of her life, such as in choosing a job, or even choosing a lifetime partner.

One things that indicate these ideas is the expressions and gestures of each model that painted by Sani who always seemed happy wearing fashionable dresses. Just as a woman's life in the big cities, fashion is a form of lifestyle that may not be separated from their daily lives. Every moment they have pass through continuously use as an opportunity to show their unique character in every possible way by featuring their high taste in fashion that also become their pride.

For them, fashion has become a language that can express the freedom of expression in social interaction. Public appraisals of the woman is also often appear based on woman’s choice of style or fashion. The choice of style or fashion are considered to represent the character of the beauty that radiates inside her. As the effect, many women end up competing each other to be the best and look fabolous by wearing dresses that best suits her character.

Paintings of Nyoman Sani are most visualize the lives of urban women in big cities who wallowing in laughter, fashion, and beauty. Then, through this exhibition of "Beauty" we also celebrate this fascinating taste!

 *) translated by Citra Sasmita