DESIGN STATEMENT
Ingrained in Grains is a visual exploration of the cultural and social practices surrounding rice in Indonesia, grounded in fieldwork observations in Jakarta. This project investigates how people engage with rice not just as a staple food, but as a marker of memory, tradition, and connection.
From sourcing it in traditional markets to the rituals of cooking and eating, Ingrained in Grains traces how rice is held, wrapped, and shared in everyday life. Through surface such as the textures and symbolism found in rice sacks and through the grain itself, as it moves from field to table, it reveals the shifting identities and deep rooted meanings carried within each grain.
why rice?
Rice is deeply rooted in Indonesia’s traditions and identity, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and gratitude toward nature. It is revered in rituals and mythology, with the worship of Dewi Sri, and remains a sacred symbol that shapes cultural values across generations.
As a daily staple and ceremonial offering, rice connects communities through shared practices and reinforces respect for nature, making it both a physical and spiritual foundation of Indonesian life.
