NARASINETWORK.COM - The IANJO installation, a collaborative work by artists Bibiana Lee and Ida Ahmad, was created in 2016 and adapts its scale to fit exhibition spaces. The artwork incorporates materials such as curtains, dingklik (traditional woven fabric), and military hats.
This piece responds to historical narratives that primarily focus on physical battles fought by men, often overlooking the painful experiences of women affected by war, specifically the group known as ianfu—women forced to serve as Japanese military sex labourers during the Second World War.
History is frequently told centred on combat and male figures, which has resulted in women’s stories being neglected or underrepresented. The ianfu, in particular, have rarely been fully acknowledged in official accounts.
These women lost control over their bodies and lives when they were confined to brothels established by the Japanese military, known as ianjo.
Through the IANJO installation, Bibiana Lee and Ida Ahmad aim to break the silence surrounding the ianfu’s history, raising awareness of an issue seldom spoken about openly. The installation provides space for these women’s experiences to be recognised and understood by the public.
The work creates a subdued and dimly lit atmosphere, reflecting the settings of the original ianjo sites. This lighting symbolises the hidden wounds often excluded from grand historical narratives. Each component of the installation carries symbolic meaning.
A prominent feature is a Japanese soldier’s cap placed atop a high chair. This symbol represents the patriarchal and colonial power structures that reduced women to objects under authority, both within domestic and colonial contexts.
Additionally, fabrics bearing the names of individual ianfu hang within the installation, emphasising that these women were not mere numbers but individuals with their own identities and life stories.
IANJO does not focus solely on suffering; it invites society to reconsider how history is constructed and presented. It highlights the importance of including women’s perspectives when recounting the past. By displaying the victims’ names, the piece pays tribute and reminds viewers that these were human beings with distinct identities and struggles.
In Indonesian contemporary art, works like IANIn play a vital role in facilitating open discussion on sensitive and often overlooked historical matters. The installation exemplifies how art can visually communicate social and historical messages.
The collaboration between Bibiana Lee and Ida Ahmad demonstrates how merging different artistic styles and approaches can create impactful work. Together, they realised a project that balances aesthetic appeal with educational and social reflection.