At FGD Expo 2007, the biggest digital expo in Indonesia, 40 designers from all over the world participated in a poster exhibition that was held during the event. The theme was: One Globe One Flag.
When the commitee asked me to join, I felt very honored. And I loved the theme. Being raised as a Indonesia-born Chinese, life wasn’t very easy during my childhood in Medan. Racism was part of the struggle that I had to face everyday: at school, on the street, at malls. Luckily, I never categorize myself as ‘anyone’.
My mom grew up and spent a lot of her time in Holland (her Indonesia language still sounds very funny today) and my dad was also influenced a lot by the Dutch culture. So we, I and 2 siblings, had adopted a lot of mixed Western and Eastern cultures, which made us quite ‘in between’ of everything.
That made us belong to no races. Not to the native Indonesians, nor the Chinese. We all saw human beings as human beings, nothing more. I am glad that we did. That’s why I grew up in Catholic elementary and junior high school; and native-Indonesian-majority public high school; and another public university (the best in the country, Institut Teknologi Bandung 
. We didn’t speak Chinese, and still don’t. Most of the Chinese in Medan couldn’t believe it hahaha!
This little story of my life became the inspiration for my poster. It takes courage to step out of our comfort zones, visit others’ domains, explore their cultures and be part of them. Let the walls down, open our hearts and welcome new breeze of differences in our lifes.
I am telling you, it’s worth it. Let the differences become the supplement of our creativity.
PS. When Stefan Sagmeister saw the poster, he was looking for the designer, and then shook my hand saying, “Well done Jerry.” That made my day.
Chameleon– I always thought that it is such a lovely name, for the lizard family that could change colours, adapting to their environment.
Hard to tell which is which..
Black and white with many shades of grey…
I think this poster shouts out louder than words can express. Absolutely loved it!
wonderful concept, wonderful image u have done jer, and the most of all, wonderful background story of yours.
[...] Vote Unity Takes Courage, 2007 [...]
Your poster really do the talk! Wonderful!
Thanks to you all, I am so glad you enjoyed it
just stopped by at your blog mas jerry, it’s awesome, i will enjoy visiting your blog. I hope we will meet again soon at Focus 2009 & FGDexpo2009, i will be one of the committee =D Good luck for everything you do mas jerry
any of your exhibition coming soon in Jan 2009? I love to see during my jakarta trip…
stefan ini yg dulu jg pernah pameran di ITb kalo gak salah ya, pernah dapet bukunya
cool guy!
Well done, Boy. I think you describe how I felt exactly. Really do appreciate our family background. Keep up the good work. One of this day, I hope I can see your exhibition more often. Still amazed at how far you have come…
Well done, Boy. I think you describe how I felt exactly. Really do appreciate our family background. Keep up the good work. One of this day, I hope I can see your exhibition more often. Still amazed at how far you have come…
Adik, really cool picture. When are you going to publish another book?
Jerry, its awesome, as always!
For info, your poster will be exhibit with other One Globe One Flag posters at Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Balairung Dewi Sri Hall, Jimbaran Bali. 22 Decemner 2008 – 5 January 2009, as part of Bali Creative Power 2008 event. This event is a collaboration between Bali Creative Power, ADGI & GWK. For more info, please call Dayu at (0361) 759282 or info@balicreativecommunity.org
Hi..It’s my first time here…
Really admire the concept!!!
HxA7Wg Thanks for good post
it’s very amazing concept!!
good work