“I want to be an activist, but I don’t need to scream”.

Ari Bayuaji’s words resonated deeply during a fireside chat moderated by Steph Dickson, an event that launched the exhibition Rebels, Rascals, and Mavericks curated by Metis’ Senior Consultant Nara Latip at Mandala Club Singapore. In a world where activism is often equated with bold declarations, posturing on social media, and impassioned protests, Ari offers an alternative — one that is quiet, intentional, and profoundly transformative.

Through his project Weaving the Ocean, he breathes new life into discarded plastic waste and fishing nets entangled in the mangroves of Bali, turning them into intricate woven masterpieces. His work is not just about creating beauty; it is an invitation to reflect, to question, and ultimately, to act. He does not demand attention to his persona; instead, he draws people in through visual curiosity and conviction.

Ari Bayuaji and Steph Dickson on “How To Be a Rebel : Sustainability” at Mandala Club Singapore

In Bali, where he works closely with local communities, he has helped reframe waste as a resource rather than a burden. By selling works through Mizuma Gallery (with which Metis Art partnered for this talk and exhibition) and commissioned pieces from global museums and institutions, he demonstrates how sustainability can be practical, profitable, and deeply fulfilling. He distributes profits throughout his community, enabling individual lives from his weaver to his roadside food vendor. Initiated during the pandemic when Bali’s tourism industry was badly affected, his project provided work for local artisans, offering them not just a means of livelihood but a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the environment. Weaving the Ocean is not just an environmental initiative; it is a testament to the idea that art, social impact and financial sustainability can coexist.

This conversation was a powerful reminder of the immense impact that quiet, persistent action can have. Activism does not always need to be loud to be effective. Sometimes, the most lasting change comes from those who work with steady hands and unwavering vision, shaping the world not through noise, but through beauty and intention.

Ari Bayuaji’s Weaving the Ocean series at Mandala Club Singapore

About the exhibition :

Rebels, Rascals, and Mavericks

Until 30 June 2025

Popi’s & The Analogue Room, L2, Mandala Club

Singapore

For private viewings and more information email to team@metisart.co