Arahaimani

Javanese writer and poet, Arahmaiani, uses her artwork to highlight the diversity of Islamic cultures and the stereotypes of her faith held across the world. She says, “When we speak about the Islamic world, it can be misleading if we don’t put it in context.. Islamic ways are not the same everywhere.” She believes an alternative image of Islam is needed to combat negative stereotypes.


This work has toured the world showing in Indonesia, China, German, Japan and Australia. Through this piece, as well as other accompanying public performances, this young artist aims to bring people of different cultural and social backgrounds together to see each other’s point of view. Arahmaiani wants her art to trigger the use of creative solutions to solve problems. “My art is participative and active so involving everyone who sees it and joins it in building a foundation for a more open, democratic, equal and tolerant society.”

Year of Entry: 2009
Category: Main Prize
Artform: Performance Art
Location: Indonesia
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