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Special thanks to my family for being part of this project

2025

Pebian? (Are you Boyanese)

Pebian? (Are you Boyanese) is a visual, auditory, and cultural exploration that seeks to preserve and reimagine Boyanese language identity. Grounded in kinship and memory, the project transforms familial titles into symbolic visuals—allowing language to be seen, felt, and carried beyond the act of speaking. Incorporating personal narratives and opportunities for learning, it invites deeper connection with Boyanese heritage—rekindling ties to the Boyanese self and identity in a contemporary context.

This project is categorised into two:
Educational and Personal Narrative

Educational consists of Oral Catalgoue Website

Personal Narrative consists of Symbols of Boyan Kinship, What Still Matters & Batik Inspired Kain

Oral Catalogue Website

(Link to Website)
Best to view
on laptop!

Symbols of Boyan Kinship

Based on findings from my dissertation research on younger Boyanese perspectives, kinship titles continue to be retained despite the gradual fading of the language itself.

As a result, the language has evolved into a symbolic form
— one that transforms familial titles into visual symbols, allowing the language to be seen, felt, and carried forward beyond the act of speaking.

What Still Matters

These family portraits, layered with Boyan Kinship symbols attempt to retrace that presence that is fading.

Each symbol represents familial role, forming a visual language rooted in the social structures that shaped life in the pondoks.

Together, theese images hold space for what has shifted, a space is held for what has, unfortunately, faded.

Batik Inspired Kain with Obek Patterns

A tribute to my late grandmother who often wore Kain Batik at home