Avatar, a Wayang Introspective is my attempt in doing a self reflection and take a look at myself and what I wanted to be. To shed a light at myself and see what my shadow looks like. In this project, I created an original character wayang design as my Avatar or incarrnation. This is inspired by concept in Hinduism where Vishnu, the God of Preservation often create an avatar of himself on earth to restore virtue and the balance of the realm. Therefore beside making m own avatar, I also create a redesign of Vishnu also known as Batara Wisnu in Wayang Mythology (Javanese Shadow Puppet).
I. Kapi Layung, The Beast of Poetry
Also known as Poet of mischief, Kapi Layung is a half wanara-half fox priest with cunning and slick personality.Unlike other priest who wrote hymn of worship to pay respect to god, Kapi Layung use his gift of word and imagination to write prose of wonder and alluring poetry. He finds amusement in tragedy and irony in comedy and enjoy turning them into into story that will allure those around him. However his slanted eyes and vicious grin often leave suspicion in the words he utters. Afterall, he is the master of illusion and trickery who use the prose and poetry he wrote to influence the mind and the emotion of those who read it.
On his belly Kapi Layung wear “Sabuk Nabi Sulaiman”, a magical belt that is rumored to grant its wearer conquer over all animals. He acquire the belt that from si Kancil after outsmarting the smartest animal of the forest. “Sabuk Nabi Sulaiman” is actually an ordinary snake that will bite those who wear them. However, Kapi Layung’s prose and poetry is able to comfort the snake into eternal slumber and transform it into an actual belt
II. Batara Wisnu, God of Preservation
As the god of preservation, Batara Wisnu is the protector of the world from evil deed and injustice that threaten the world to fall into depravity and chaos. He often do so through his
"Awatara", the manifestation and incarnation of Batara Wisnu himself. Several Awatara has manifested throughout the existence including; Matsya, a giant fish who save humanity from great flood that drowned mountain; Rama Wijaya, the great king who put an end to Rahwana's tyranny; and Lord Kresna, the charioteer who advised Pandawa and ensure their victory to the deprived Kurawa in the great war "Bharata Yudha".
Batara Wisnu gently carry a lotus flower in one of his hand near the navel, symbolizing creation and the balance of this world in serenity. Meanwhile, spinning at the tip of his finger is Cakra Sudarsana, the divine weapon made out of sun dust that will cut anything in its way. Batara Wisnu often use this weapon on his enemy by flinging his finger and Cakra Sudarsana will fly decapitating them in an instant and open path toward virtue.
In this video, I imagined my avatar Kapi Layung is paying respect to Batara Wisnu. It symbolize my aspiration to become a charismatic and influental person who always strive toward virtue.
