The Trees & The Wires is an art project and residency led by curator Benny Widyo in collaboration with  artist Ella Chedburn from Somerset, UK and the Gulung Tukar collective from Tulungagung. The project delves into the story of Ringin Kurung—the planting of seven banyan trees in Tulungagung’s city center to drain a swamp and lay the foundation for a civilization. Drawing from the philosophy of sedulur papat, kalimo pancer, the project examines connections to flood management in Tulungagung and the interplay of nature, technology, and myth. Through a combination of collective memory and artistic expression, seven artists across various mediums produced seven artworks and art programs, with four physical works presented here.

These works include an illustration with Rizqi Maulana depicting the banyan tree planting ritual led by Abu Mansyur, supported by mythical figures like Jigang Joyo, Lancang Joyo, Cluntang Joyo, Bajang Alit, and a white buffalo. Costumes created with Gandez Shol serve as artifacts from the performance Air Beriak, Akar Menjalar, symbolizing water’s cyclical power and the resilience of banyan roots. An interactive water pool installation by Bayu Ratmanda and M. Riduwan reflects the memory of past sacrifices for flood mitigation, while a video performance with Anugerah Natalin captures the energy of four water control sites in Tulungagung, emphasizing harmony between humans and nature. 

For more details, visit gulungtukar.org/tttw.