Jiwa: Rediscovering Sacred Value and Meaning at EMERGE @ FIND Design Fair 2024

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Sep 20

Jiwa designed by alvinT, *Photography by Christopher Octaviano*

What makes something truly valuable? Is it its price tag, its rarity, or perhaps the feelings it evokes? These are some of the questions we’re diving into at Emerge @ FIND Design Fair Asia 2024 this September. Curated by Suzy Annetta of Design Anthology, this year’s theme, “These Precious Things,” looks at the value we place on objects in a world where natural resources are rapidly depleting.

Over 50 emerging and established designers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam will showcase their work, enriching the discussions on this theme. We’re excited to be part of this fair after two years of participating with Dahan and Ndare.

Our submission to EMERGE this year focuses on restoring the sacred connection between people, nature, and the objects that shape our lives. In a world driven by speed and convenience, we want to pause and reflect on what truly gives value—care, story, and deeper meaning.

Jiwa designed by alvinT, *Photography by Alvin Tjitrowirjo*

Historically, objects like sacred architecture, religious statues, and ritual tools were crafted with profound care and integrated into daily life, offering windows into diverse perspectives and fostering connections with nature.

Our contribution, titled Jiwa, is a tribute to nature and a response to a world where mass-produced, fleeting goods often overshadow tangible, cultural treasures. Our design seeks to restore a sense of reverence for materials, craftsmanship, and spirituality that have long been at the core of human existence and the practice of making. By restoring the sacred connections that once defined our relationship with nature and the objects we create, we aim to inspire a deeper reflection on our place in this world, what we truly value, and how we wish to navigate our future. Through Jiwa, we encourage a return to creating with intention and respect, while reminding ourselves of the deep bond between humanity and the natural world that sustains and defines us.