The Follower

b. 1960, Netherlands; based in Yogyakarta

The Follower is made up of badges from schools, political parties, churches, and companies from all corners of the Indonesian archipelago. The form it takes is a jilbab, a long outer garment worn by some Indonesian Muslim women. The artist’s work often engages garments as a means of shelter, protection, and communicating beliefs. This particular piece was made as a response to the Bali terrorist bombings in 2002, and the resulting global perception of Indonesia as home to Islamic terrorists. Through the diverse tapestry of badges, she seeks to communicate the multicultural facets of Indonesian society.