Artwork #13: Equal in Knowledge, United in Dreams
By Nasywa Aulia Darmawan
The main meaning of this artwork is the hope and struggle of young people to create an inclusive and equal educational future for all children in Indonesia, regardless of their social or economic background.
The piece portrays a group of street children and waste pickers of various ages studying together under a bridge. They are supported by an adult distributing books, as well as a woman carrying many books, symbolizing support from the community or volunteers.
Key messages conveyed in this artwork include:
- Education as a Right for Every Child: The children depicted come from marginalized communities, yet show a strong desire to learn. This emphasizes that education is a right for all children, regardless of social or economic status.
- The Role of Youth and Volunteers: The figure handing out books and guiding the children represents the role of young people, volunteers, or community members who care about inclusive education. They act as change agents, bringing hope and educational access to those in need.
- Inclusivity and Equality: Learning together in one group, without regard to age, background, or parental occupation (such as being a waste picker), highlights the values of inclusivity and equality in education.
- Dreams and Hopes for the Future: The children’s eagerness to learn amidst hardship reflects their big dreams for a better future. The artwork calls on society not to underestimate the potential of marginalized children and to support their pursuit of dreams.
Social Critique and Call to Action: This piece also serves as a critique of the social reality in Indonesia, where many children still lack access to proper education. However, it doesn’t stop at criticism—it also inspires concrete action, especially among young people, to be directly involved in achieving fair and equitable education for all.