At their beautiful Seminyak Boutique and Gallery, John Hardy in conjunction with Nyaman Gallery presents CONNECTIONS, an exhibition by Plastik Kembali that tackles Indonesia’s plastic issue and weaves community together through art.
The John Hardy Boutique and Gallery is a two-story building designed as a serene getaway from the busy streets of Seminyak. Guests can browse the beautifully handcrafted jewelry collections created by artisans in their workshop outside of Ubud. The open space creates an immersive community “oasis” that celebrates Indonesian food at its best; from family-style feasts at The Long Table Lunch, freshly ground local coffee, herbal remedies and inspired cocktails from The Jamu Bar, and shared plates from The Kitchen that can be enjoyed during the day or at the legendary Sunset Picnics in the terraced garden overlooked by a Balinese temple.
Guests can enjoy the art and installations adorning the interiors of the Seminyak gallery, where there will also be workshops and social events bringing community together to address Indonesia’s plastic pollution.
Inline with John Hardy’s passion for preserving local culture and practices, Plastik Kembali skillfully uses traditional techniques to weave, tie, and mold artworks with recycled plastic, scrap fabric, natural fiber and more. The results are a refreshing take on traditional Indonesian craftsmanship, creating unique and vibrant artworks that inspire and educate.
“Our mission is to transform one of Indonesia’s biggest challenges — plastic waste — through one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths, traditional folk art,” Elissa Gjertson, founder and artistic director of Plastik Kembali states. Plastik Kembali began in 2019 in Selong Belanak, Lombok, and employs a predominantly female team of 30 local artisans. They practice age-old weaving traditions from South Lombok, and collaborate with recycling centers all over Indonesia to source their plastic and other scrap material, from fabrics to wood.
“John Hardy uses only 100% reclaimed Sterling Silver and Gold in all its jewelry production including hand weaving its iconic Classic Chain. Plastik Kembali repurposes plastic and weaves them to create works of art.” Polly Purser, Senior Director of Heritage, explains. When John Hardy arrived in Bali in the 1970s, he believed in sustainability and maintaining the island’s harmony while creating the internationally renowned brand, working closely with the local community and Balinese artisans to preserve skills and traditions for future generations.
The exhibition runs from 21st July to 5th October and is free entry.
The John Hardy Boutique and Gallery at Seminyak is located at Jl. Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali 80361 and the telephone number is +62 (0) 361-9344-244 / +62 (0) 811-3811-8003.
Open daily from 11 am – 7 pm.