Angela Sunaryo Visual Art Student FSRD ITB “KEROKAN 2024: Unveiling The Healing Art” 

“Kerokan,” a form of folk medicine involving abrading the skin using a blunt object on one’s body, is a practice that has been passed down from generation to generation in Indonesian culture. Although considered as a form of alternative therapy, ‘kerokan’ has been a significant part of medical culture in Asian countries with its own names and history.

“Kerokan 2024” unfolds as a deeply personal exploration that extends beyond the physical act of ‘kerokan’ to encompass the intricacies of identity, growth, and cultural exchange. The metaphor takes on additional layers, symbolizing the scraping away of preconceptions, biases, and stereotypes that the artist, as a woman of Chinese descent and a Christian, have encountered, particularly in the realms of gender, race, and faith. Through a diverse range of artistic mediums, from scroll installations to photographs, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the artist’s narrative, bridging the gap between personal and universal experiences, becoming a platform for dialogue on issues of gender, race, and belief, fostering empathy and understanding. As viewers immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the artist’s journey, they are encouraged to contemplate their own roles in the ongoing narrative of cultural exchange and self-discovery. “Kerokan 2024” was held in Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic.