Tamarra

Tamarra is a performer and visual artist whose research is focussed on constructions of gender and identity in Indonesia’s transgender communities. For this exhibition Tamarra has repeatedly written “Rajah”; a well- known prayer that women use to ask God to help them get pregnant. A Rajah is a prayer or wish, usually written in Arabic on a piece of cloth and worn tied to a belt or a necklace. Traditionally Rajah is given by a guru to their student, but Rajah can also be bought from mystics at the night market.

Tamarra (born Tasikmalaya, West Java, 1989) creates works that discuss issues of gender and sexuality, and the histories of transgender in Indonesia. Tamarra’s recent selected projects include Ancient MSG (2015) at Gertrude Contemporary, Australia; Unsung Museum (2016-2017) at Roh Projects in Jakarta and Ruang Gerilya (Bandung); Calabai Janggeng, a collaborative research presentation with Emma Frankland on Bissu, commissioned by British Council (2019); Biennale Jogja XV – Equator #5: ‘Do we live in the same playground?’ (2019); Jakarta Biennale 2021: ESOK (TOMORROW); Young Birds from Strange Mountains – Queer Arts from Southeast Asia and its Diaspora at Schwules Museum (SMU), Berlin (2024-25).