Coastal Settlements and Javanese Vernacular Art: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of Damar Kurung Gresik in Indonesia

Christianna, Aniendya and Saidi, Acep Iwan and M.Sn., Dr. Riama Maslan Sihombing, and Art., Dr. Nuning Yanti Damayanti, Dipl. (2024) Coastal Settlements and Javanese Vernacular Art: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of Damar Kurung Gresik in Indonesia. [UNSPECIFIED]

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Abstract

Gresik, an ancient port city in East Java has played a significant role in international trade and has given rise to unique coastal settlements with distinctive cultures due to the interaction between foreigners and the local community. In 2017, Damar Kurung, a Gresik vernacular art, was declared a national intangible cultural heritage for representing the communitys collective memory and local knowledge values, crucial in building a national identity. This paper explores the connection between coastal settlements and Javanese vernacular art and analyzes their effect on Damar Kurung. This study utilizes art historiography as a methodology, which combines biographical interpretation approaches and formal analysis. Thus, it develops a comprehensive understanding of Damar Kurung and its artists in the past, present, and future, and their relation to geographical context. The findings reveal that the Gresik coastal settlement has had a significant impact on Damar Kurungs style, themes, methods, and materials. Damar Kurungs paintings reflect maritime traditions ranging from daily activities to myths in fisherman kampong. The coastal settlements and Damar Kurung have a mutual relationship that influences each other. Throughout history, coastal settlements have transformed Damar Kurung into a captivating vernacular art that represents Gresiks cultural identity. The evolution of this settlement from craft to painting demonstrates the societys flexibility to adapt to changing times. As an intangible cultural heritage, Damar Kurung requires conservation efforts to establish an inclusive and appreciative space.

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