By Honorary Reporter A. Putri Siswanto from Indonesia

Photos = Mulyana

The Cheongju Craft Biennale is a large-scale event for crafts by Korean and foreign artists from around the world. This year's event was held from Sept. 8 to Oct. 17 at Culture Factory in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, and online.

The Indonesian artist Mulyana, known for his colorful crochet and knitting works, was invited to attend the biennale in person. The following are excerpts an interview with him.

Crocheted sculptures and installations by Mulyana

How were you invited to the Cheongju Craft Biennale?
I was contacted last year by the director of this year's biennale. The organizing committee was interested in seeing my work in person. Incidentally, I will also hold an exhibition at Asia Culture Center in Gwangju, so I've stayed in Korea.

Briefly describe your work featured at the biennale.
I use crochet and knitting to tell a story about aquatic life. "Into the Abyss" is a collection of four installations, both old and new. Under the biennale's theme "Tools of Conviviality," I wanted to show the strength of my process and practice with the crochet and knitting community that I developed with mothers in Jogja, Indonesia, where I live.

Mulyana has also attended glassware workshops in Korea.

Apart from exhibition activity, what else have you done in Korea?
I've attended glassware workshops, explored Busan, tried many foods and visited unique cafes.

What city and food in Korea are your favorites?
I like Seoul because of the many interesting places to visit. Maybe I'm the type who enjoys the city's atmosphere, living here and observing what people do here. 

Naengmyeon (cold noodles), bibimbap (rice mixed with meat, vegetables and spicy red pepper paste) and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) are my favorite Korean foods.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.