A short time ago we had the opportunity to talk with one of Bali’s Architecture Maestros.⠀⠀
Anak Agung Yoka Sara, also known as Yoka Sara, tells about his career, tips for upcoming architects, and also talks a lot about the process of his art.⠀⠀
Can you tell a little about your background?
My full name is Anak Agung Yoka Sara, born in ‘65 in Denpasar. I studied Architecture at Udayana in 83 but in 89 decided to stop, because at that time I was working while studying
Why did you decide to quit college?
Because at that time along with my other university friends we had our own studio, and the demands and responsibility of the projects at that time were huge, so it was difficult to manage time between working and studying.
So, it can be said that your title is not an Architect?
Professionally I’m more of an Architectural Designer—I like to build a concept, values , and stories in space.
How is the development of Yoka Sara’s work from the beginning until now?
There are three development chapters divided into three decades. The first ten years is, design and built, then the second ten years decided to focus on design only, where at that time our profession was not appreciated much. And in the past ten years have focused on design buildings, making experiments and art.
Where does your inspiration come from when it comes to working?
In the beginning, it came from outside artists. After that, I began to search for my own way and brand. As our architectural approach started to be seen by people, they saw my architecture was never the same as others.
After running for 30 years, what is the inspiration right now?
A project is a problem and we must find a solution to solve that problem, involving the client in the design process is a must. Because of that, the buildings/houses that I make for A or B would be different. Why? Because the souls and ideas of each homeowner are unique and cannot be compared.
Besides playing in the world of architecture, Yoka Sara also has art in his heart. One of his artistic endeavors is SPRITES. Can you tell us about the journey and the process?
I started to enter the arts in 2009, at that time Ayip Budiman invited me to get involved in the Denpasar Festival. Create interactive rides that can be responded by various cross-disciplinary artists. It felt like I was pulled out of my normal life which was only struggling in architecture. It awakened my passion after a long time.
What is SPRITES?
SPRITES has been running since 2012 once every 2 years with each event carrying one element out of five life elements. Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Sky. SPRITES is actually more directed to be a celebration of the artistic process. Activities, installations, performance, and anything in between are created organically and without coercion.
How can SPRITES occur?
So we share nine moments that will occur over three months. For example, in the first moment, we find out who and what our collaborators will be involved in—what things they will respond to, then we build the scenography, etc. Then we again divide the Main Artists and also the Intermingle Artists—these artists would later respond to one another. Our job is only to maintain the lines of communication between the artists involved, and also determine the scoring of when the work of each artist is displayed or performed. And in SPRITES there is a theme that will often dictate the artists who participate.
To enjoy SPRITES we must attend?
Yes, you have to be there even if you don’t understand what is happening until later. You must be present without expectations. Because SPRITES is not a show, nor is it an exhibition, it is a moment in time.
Can you tell a little story about how you were able to participate in the project to build the Rumah Sanur?
I was interested in the spirit and dreams that would be carried by Rumah Sanur. Then the next challenge was to build the space with a budget that could be said to be completely non-existent and to use existing materials around us at that time. Before that, I’d also known Ayip well and we had done many projects together.
According to Yoka Sara, how important is the existence of Rumah Sanur as a Creative Hub in Indonesia, especially in Bali now?
Important, but of course everyone has different perceptions, and the more perceptions the better. Because a HUB must be a space to create dialogue, discussion, and new ideas. The magic of Rumah Sanur is that it can build a sense of equality, where everyone is the same there.
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