Kajian Arca ‘Menggenggam Keris’: Representasi Identiti Budaya Melalui Seni Arca Awam Dalam Konteks Budaya Perak
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v11i1.902Abstract
This study provides an in-depth discussion of the innovative outcomes of the public sculpture project titled “Menggenggam Keris”, produced through a grant-based initiative and collaboration with the Perak State Government and supported by funding from a local concession company. The sculpture features the image of a hand gripping a keris, symbolizing strength, heritage, unity, and the sovereignty of the Malay community while contemporarily representing local cultural aspirations. This study focuses on the meanings, symbolism, and design aspects including material and color selection as well as the potential of this sculpture as a medium of visual communication in public space. It also examines the collaborative process between academic institutions, local authorities, and the community in realizing this sculpture as a landmark in Bagan Datoh, Perak. Comparative references are made to public sculpture works by prominent Malaysian artists such as Raja Shahriman Raja Aziddin, Ariffin Ismail, and Ramlan Abdullah to evaluate the position of this work within the national public sculpture discourse. The study demonstrates that sculptures grounded in local symbols and community values are capable of creating significant visual impact and meaning within the contemporary cultural landscape.
ABSTRAK
Kajian ini membincangkan penciptaan dan penghayatan arca awam bertajuk “Menggenggam Keris” yang dibina di Dataran Jeti Bagan Datuk, Perak. Arca ini merupakan hasil projek kolaboratif antara Universiti Teknologi MARA, pihak berkuasa tempatan dan komuniti setempat sempena program Tahun Melawat Perak 2024. Karya ini mengangkat keris sebagai simbol utama yang mewakili sejarah, adat dan identiti budaya Kesultanan Perak, sekali gus berfungsi sebagai medium visual yang menghubungkan warisan tradisi dengan konteks kontemporari seni awam. Kajian ini memberi tumpuan kepada analisis simbolisme bentuk dalam pembentukan makna budaya. Selain itu, kajian turut meneliti peranan arca awam sebagai medium pemerkasaan budaya, interaksi sosial dan penyatuan komuniti melalui penglibatan pelbagai pihak dalam proses perancangan dan pelaksanaan karya seni arca awam yang berupaya berfungsi bukan sahaja sebagai mercu tanda fizikal, tetapi juga sebagai wahana kesenian, komunikasi budaya dan pengukuhan identiti tempatan dalam ruang awam.
Keywords: Arca Awam, Identiti, Budaya Perak
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