20/ I Don’t Want to Be Part of Your Legend

2004
By Arahmaiani
Duration: 11:34 min.
Recommended by Tyler Rollins

About the work:
“In this video work I reinterpret the meaning of the Ramayana story of the wayang (shadow puppet) tradition in Java. I critically question the position and role of women (represented by Sinta) in the story. Because in the narration of Javanese culture ‘wayang’ traditions the focus of the story is usually Rama & Rahwana. The two dominant male characters in the story. And Sinta the woman is placed in the position as a "rotating trophy" which is contested to the two opposing parties. Besides that, Sinta may also be suspected as someone who can betray and be good at pretending.

I then made my own ‘wayang’ Sinta version made from dried teak leaves. That looks fragile and looks like it is easily broken. This is to reinforce the position of women who are considered weak in the narrative of the traditional Ramayana story. But also to symbolize the important role of women who are the source of fertility and life. Which is actually very strong!” —Arahmaiani