Circular Economies Residency: HONF in Narrogin #3

Dec 4

House of Natural Fiber’s (HONF) M.Haryo Hutomo and Irene Agrivina are currently working with the community of Narrogin and hosted by Arts Narrogin. This residency forms part of SPACED’s program, Circular Economies. They share their final reflection with us.

Until the Next Colourful Journey

As our residency reaches its final week, we enter the most critical phase of the program: the presentation of our research outcomes and artistic explorations. This culmination is a showcase of the work developed and an opportunity to reflect on the interdisciplinary approaches, insights, and connections made during our time in Narrogin. Drawing from the qualitative methodology outlined earlier, our presentation focused on The Fifth Element project, emphasizing how natural pigments, alongside geology and chemistry, are central to exploring the themes of environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and the interrelationship between humans and nature. This final week allows us to present findings from participant observations during our exhibitions, which documented the engagement and responses of collaborators with the artwork's interactive and visual components.

Thematic and narrative analyses have revealed how natural pigments foster sustainable thinking and connect cultural identity to ecological awareness. The project's aesthetic and functional impact highlights its ability to evoke reflection on environmental stewardship. These insights are communicated through visual displays, collaborator stories, and contextual research, offering a comprehensive view of the project. This presentation marks the residency's climax, where the artistic research transforms into a dialogue with the audience, extending the exploration beyond the residency's boundaries. It invites the audience to engage with the art, deepening the conversation about conservation, cultural identity, and the enduring value of natural pigments in the modern world.

As part of the residency's final week, we hosted a movie screening that captivated the Narrogin community, offering a fresh perspective on their environment and shared histories through the lens of pigments. The movie was produced by us during our research, blending themes of geology, natural pigments, and cultural narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on the deep connection between their surroundings and collective memories. Using visual storytelling, the screening reimagined the familiar, transforming everyday landscapes into rich identity and environmental awareness sources. Audience engagement highlighted the power of pigments as more than artistic materials—they became symbols of cultural heritage and ecological relationships. This event bridged art, science, and storytelling, fostering a dialogue that deepened the residency's impact and left a lasting impression on the community.

Our final days in Narrogin were filled with a mix of emotions. We were touched by the warm hospitality of friends who hosted several dinners, each gathering deepening our connection to the community and making it harder to say goodbye. The sense of family and belonging we felt there was profound, making our departure bittersweet. At the same time, we were heartened by the potential for future collaborations, particularly around exploring pigments and cultural history, ensuring that the bonds formed during the residency will continue to grow. On our last day, we gathered for a heartfelt brunch surrounded by friends, sharing laughter and memories before it was time to bid farewell. As we left Narrogin, we carried with us a deep appreciation for the experiences, relationships, and insights gained, looking forward to the next colourful chapter in our journey

Images courtesy of the artist in order: One of the experimental pieces presented during the showcase, Film screening during the showcase, Narrogin Valley, Image of a showcase participant. Photograph by Danielle Halford.

More information about the Circular Economies artists, host communities and projects as they unfold can be found by subscribing to SPACED’s monthly email newsletter, and following SPACED on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about HONF, M.Haryo Hutomo and Irene Agrivina, check out their respective Instagram profiles.

Circular Economies is produced as a joint partnership by PICA - Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and SPACED.