Interactions of Artistic Expressions with Spatial Contexts in the Isolo Performance of Sentani Tribe, Putali Village, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the connection between the artistic expression of Isolo and the spatial context of the Sentani Tribe of Putali Village, Papua, Indonesia. The analysis focuses on revealing the mutual influence between the artistic expression of Isolo and the spatial context of the Sentani Tribe of Putali Village and how the artistic elements in Isolo contain important values in the local cultural system. It employs a qualitative case study methodology. Observation of the 2023 Lake Sentani Festival at Khalkote Pier, Papua, interviews with Sentani Tribal cultural experts and local government officials, and visual documentation of performances were used to collect data. It employs Rapoport's concept of Environment Behavior Study (EBS) and Barthes' concept of semiotics. The research findings demonstrate, among other things, that Isolo's artistic expression and the spatial context of Putali Village have a reciprocal relationship. The artistic expression of the Sentani Putali Tribe derives from the symbolization of cultural, social, and environmental factors. In the meantime, Isolo's artistic expression can inspire social change by establishing and enhancing art studios and strengthening internal and external social relations. Second, it demonstrates that Isolo's artistic expression at the Lake Sentani Festival in 2023 reflects the cultural identity of the Sentani Tribe of Putali Village and carries on the tradition of sustainable wild boar hunting. As the cultural identity of the Sentani Tribe, Isolo's artistic expression reflects the cultural values of unity, brotherhood, environmental preservation, and simplicity. These findings can be used to improve awareness of how individuals perceive their local spatial context.