Handwoven installations bring Indonesian craftsmanship to an international audience through art, nature and sustainable design.
When Make A Scene! Bali was invited to create large-scale handwoven installations for Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, it marked an important milestone for the Bali-based studio.
The story began when British theatre designer Chloe Rose Quinn moved from the UK to Bali. Fascinated by the island’s craftsmanship, she became concerned about the use of polystyrene, paint and other synthetic materials in temporary wedding and event installations, including in Bali. This led her to ask whether temporary structures could instead be created from natural materials.
That search led her to Balinese master weaver Ida Bagus Gede Ari Artana, known as Gus Ari. Captivated by his woven coconut-leaf work, Chloe saw its potential as a medium for large-scale artistic expression. Together, they combined her theatre design background with Gus Ari’s weaving expertise and founded Make A Scene! Bali, exploring new forms and scales for a traditional craft.
The studio was later approached by Zig-Zag Indonesia to contribute to Indonesia’s presence at Orchid Extravaganza. Make A Scene! Bali was specifically invited to represent eight regions of the Indonesian archipelago through handwoven natural-material installations. The resulting works included a Peacock for Central Java, Ondel-Ondel for Jakarta, a Siger Tiger for Lampung, a Balinese Naga, a Rafflesia Bloom for Sumatra, a Komodo for East Nusa Tenggara, Hornbills for Kalimantan and the Lotus Spirit for Papua.
The project aimed to share Indonesia’s creative spirit with an international audience, strengthen cultural ties between Indonesia and Singapore, and promote sustainability through heritage and design. For Chloe, the installations were also a way to show that traditional craftsmanship could become contemporary art while retaining its cultural roots.
Delivering the exhibition overseas gave the studio confidence in its ability to take on international commissions. Producing, shipping and installing the works demonstrated that Make A Scene! Bali could maintain its craftsmanship and the visitor experience beyond Bali.
The response from international visitors reinforced that achievement. People from around the world photographed, shared and talked about the installations, while Indonesians expressed pride in seeing their craftsmanship, artistry and cultural heritage celebrated in Singapore. For Chloe, that response was one of the exhibition’s most meaningful outcomes.
The experience has encouraged Make A Scene! Bali to pursue more international commissions and collaborations, including work for festivals, public spaces and cultural stages. Chloe’s personal ambition is to exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, which she sees as another opportunity to showcase Indonesian craftsmanship on a global stage.
How to work with Chloe
Make A Scene! Bali creates sustainable, site-specific commissioned installations for weddings, private events, corporate spaces, hospitality projects, and public venues. Every artwork is designed around the story of its location, ensuring no two commissions are the same.
To enquire, email mail@masbali.com, visit www.makeascenebali.com, connect via LinkedIn, or message @make_a_scene_bali_ on Instagram with a few details about your event, preferred date, and creative vision. Chloe will follow up to discuss the concept, scope, and availability.
Source: Chloe Rose Quinn
