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Introduction to the Arts of Cirebon
by Richard North
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An Invitation
Cirebon’s artist families, realizing that their culture is under threat of disappearing, are now opening up to outsiders to an unprecedented degree. This challenging and dynamic time for Cirebon culture is a rare opportunity for musicians, dancers, puppeteers, woodcarvers, painters or other artists or scholars--Indonesian and foreign--to learn about and participate in these previously inaccessible art forms.
A series of photo essays on the ancient and colorful arts of Cirebon are currently in progress. (See below) Please visit www.CirebonArts.com as these essays begin to take shape. If you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] .
It is hoped that exposure to the depth and variety of Cirebon arts will help stimulate interest and encourage studies of these rare and in some cases endangered art forms--and will help in some small way to give Cirebon artists the recognition and support they need to help keep their rich but fragile culture alive. Matur kesuwun.
Richard North
17 November, 2007
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Photos essays in progress:
The 3 Royal Palaces of Cirebon: Kasepuhan, Kanoman and Kacirebonan
Cirebon Batik Textiles
Lukisan Kaca: Cirebon Reverse Glass Painting
Keris: The Magic Dagger of Cirebon
Sacred Architecture of Cirebon
3 Ancient Cirebon Gong Ensembles: Gong Renteng, Denggung & Gong Sekati
Topeng: Cirebon Masked Dancing
Cirebon Puppet Theater: Wayang Kulit and Wayang Golek
Other Future Articles:
Cirebon: Java’s Last Pasisir Kingdom
P.H. Yusup Dendabrata: Cirebon Renaissance Man
A Cirebon Gamelan in Yogyakarta: Kyai Mega Mendung
Kereta Kencana: The “Golden Carriages”, Icons of Cirebon Culture
The Historic Gamelans of Sumedang
The Gender of Cirebon