BERLAGEDINUSANTARA – REIMAGINING A 100-YEAR OLD TRAVEL JOURNAL

AMSTERDAM, SURABAYA, 2023

Berlage di Nusantara is a contemporary creative reinterpretation of a 100-year-old travel journal of Holland’s most famous architect H.P. Berlage: ‘Mijn Indische Reis’. The 1923 publication is a powerful exhibit of his views on architecture and planning in the East – as is expected from the master builder and mentor – but more importantly of his culture-philosophical contemplations and foresight. He shares surprisingly candid statements and feelings on Western superiority, embarrassing compatriots, colonialism and tourism. His observations get bolder throughout his trip: wonder makes way for admiration, and astonishment finally evolves into bewilderment. This project reimagines Berlage’s sketches and quotes in a series of activities to bring his adventure to life hundred years later and also use them as conversation starters for a dialogue on cultural identity among third generation in both countries: 

• New edition of the book in three languages: Dutch, Indonesian and English
• Podcast series with reflections by 10 Dutch and Indonesian opinion leaders and emerging creative professionals 
• A gesamtkunstwerk in the form of an interactive mural, collectively created by a team of 10 (audio) visual producers, artists, designers, illustrators and storytellers in Indonesia and the Netherlands 

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