How do artists use rattan’s flexibility to challenge rigid societal norms in art?

Artists have long turned to unconventional materials to push boundaries, and rattan—a naturally flexible and durable vine—has become a powerful medium for challenging rigid societal norms. By weaving, bending, and shaping rattan, creators subvert traditional art forms and question established structures. Its pliability symbolizes adaptability, echoing themes of resilience and transformation in the face of societal constraints.

Contemporary artists like El Anatsui and Sopheap Pich use rattan to critique issues such as colonialism, environmental degradation, and cultural identity. Their works, often large-scale and intricate, invite viewers to reconsider preconceived notions of strength and permanence. Rattan’s organic nature also bridges the gap between craft and fine art, democratizing artistic expression.

Through rattan, artists not only redefine material possibilities but also spark conversations about flexibility—both in art and in society. This medium becomes a metaphor for bending without breaking, offering a fresh lens to examine and dismantle rigid norms.