The Graphic Structure of Wayang Purwa Pandawa as a Reference for the Development of Contemporary Wayang Illustrations

Abstract

Traditional shadow puppets are a real and symbolic form of art that appears as a spectacle, guidance, and order that can entertain and convey the teachings as a reference to life. Even UNESCO has proclaimed the arts of wayang purwa as "a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." Despite its increasingly eroded by the times, it is undeniable that the protagonist of wayang puppets such as the Pandawa family has always been an inspiration in the development of the art world and the current design in the beauty of carving and graphic art that makes it a pre-modern art that is praiseworthy. According to the history of the origin of wayang, until now always undergoing an endless transformation of form. Since the time of Majapahit, the visual of wayang puppet that is still realistic until the era of the entry of Islam has been stilted and development until now. Shadow puppets Surakarta style is one type of wayang puppets are still often played and a reference to the form of graphics because of the beauty of carvings and graphic art. Shadow puppets are currently entering the postmodern period which is a postindustrial society that experienced a change in the assessment of aesthetics, especially for the younger generation. This phenomenon is a challenge for Pandawa Lima figures as a protagonist to remain present to become an idol and make it a choice of spectacle and guidance. This research uses qualitative research method through interview, literature study and field observation in Surakarta and Wonogiri area and supported by the postmodern theory of deconstruction. The results of this study show the graphic structure of Pandawa Lima collected can be a reference to the development of wayang in a new illustration work for the young generation of today who has the hybrid and liquid identity. In the end, experimental design of contemporary wayang illustration with a case study of Bima and Arjuna is expected to attract young generation.

Keywords: Wayang, Surakarta style, Pandawa, graphic structure, illustration

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/78-06

Publication date: November 30th 2019