Deconstructive art is well known in Java. It has even become a habit in their daily lives. You may ask, what kind of art?
Before I answer your question, let me explain first. As Derrida stated, deconstruction is not meant to be a method or a theory rooted in a particular concept. Rather, he tends to interpret deconstruction as a technique of reading texts by suspending meaning. In this way, deconstruction seeks to reveal the contradictions and limitations of the text. The meaning of a text can be postponed, denied, and can be interpreted variously.
Deconstructive reading techniques also require the dismantling of meaning. However, the dismantling is part of the steps taken to question and challenge the constructed meaning. The aim is to reveal things that are hidden behind the meaning and invisible relations of the process of interpreting a text.
Thus, in this endeavor, Derrida operates a binary opposition. This is done to reveal the hierarchical thinking in the formation of the meaning of a text. Hierarchical thinking limits the possibilities of other meanings of a text.
Now, let me take you back to the first paragraph of this post. As I said, the Javanese have actually practiced the principle of deconstruction in one of their arts. Especially, in the process of creating their artworks.
In the process of creating this artwork, they use different principles from fine art, especially painting. I don't really know whether the work I am referring to is classified as fine art or not. Until now, there has been a tendency to classify the artworks I am referring to as handicrafts. However, I choose to include it as art. My reasoning is that the process of creating the artwork is so detailed that it requires precision and care. In fact, it also requires the emotional stability of the person doing the work.
But okay, I won't get too deep into the debate about whether it's art or not. Instead, I will focus on the process of making this Javanese artwork, which I call a deconstructive art form. In this case, I use painting as a comparison to find the principles of deconstruction in the creation of the artwork that I am referring to in this paper.
As far as I know, the process of creating a painting is done by overwriting colors. At first, the painter will make a sketch, followed by overlaying colors one after another until it creates the image that the painter wants. However, this Javanese art is completely different from painting.
At first, the creator will sketch on the art medium. Meanwhile, to give shape, the colors are blocked using wax first. This process can be done repeatedly as needed. The colors that are inked first are usually bright colors. Meanwhile, colors that tend to be dark will be inked at the end.
In this way, I see how this Javanese art does not only apply the principles of deconstruction. That is, the postponement of a pre-constructed form, but it also teaches us how to think in reverse. To find form, meaning or truth, one must have the courage to first dismantle the constructed meaning. In fact, one must find the binary opposition of each stage in the process of creation. Especially in bringing together the dark and light sides, which in turn will give birth to the dimension of space.
