PPSISISKA – Surakarta, March 21, 2025 – The Doctoral Program in Art at the Graduate School of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Surakarta held a Comprehensive Examination for Mahendra Wibawa, who presented his dissertation proposal titled “The Practice of Collectivity in Penahitam.” The examination was conducted in the Graduate Seminar Room at ISI Surakarta, presided over by Prof. Dr. Sugeng Nugroho, S.Kar., M.Sn., with Dr. Zulkarnain Mistortoify, M.Hum. acting as Secretary. Prof. Dr. Bambang Sunarto, S.Sen., M.Sn. acted as the Promoter, with Dr. Taufik Murtono, S.Sn., M.Sn. as the Co-Promoter. The examination panel also featured Prof. Dr. Dra. Sunarmi, M.Hum., Dr. Drs. Bedjo Riyanto, M.Hum., and Dr. Handriyotopo, S.Sn., M.Sn.

This research investigates the practice of collectivity within the Penahitam art community, which has developed since 2010 as a vibrant creative center for illustrators recognized for their dark art aesthetic and deep engagement with the punk and underground music scenes. The study aims to uncover how this community was formed and functions, as well as what sustains its continuity amidst social and cultural shifts.

The examination proceeded with intense academic discussions, where the panel rigorously evaluated the conceptual clarity and methodological framework of the research. A significant question raised was how a community lacking a formal hierarchical structure is able to sustain itself collectively, encourage interaction patterns that facilitate ongoing engagement, and embrace a diverse array of artistic expressions within a unified creative environment.

This study asserts that Penahitam arises from the dynamic interplay of various elements operating within a shared space, driven by a collective spirit. The processes within the community foster the development of an inclusive and adaptable collaborative model, enabling members to contribute and thrive. The interactions among individuals and the activities within the community generate an intrinsic appeal, enhancing internal cohesion while inviting new participants who further enrich the collective dynamic.

The proposal also emphasizes the significance of fanzines as a medium for artistic expression and documentation, demonstrating how members exchange ideas and collectively forge a visual identity. Furthermore, the study explores Penahitam’s participation in commissioned illustration projects, particularly in the punk and underground music scenes, highlighting how the community not only operates as an artistic collective but also functions as a professional design network integrated into a broader creative ecosystem.

The examiners offered constructive feedback aimed at refining the conceptual framework and enhancing the research strategies for future phases. Several inquiries focused on how the community adapts to changes and how its collective practices could be further examined in the context of an evolving artistic and cultural landscape.

The examination concluded with a reflective dialogue concerning the future trajectory of the research. With the insights derived from this session, the study is anticipated to adopt a more targeted approach in investigating the practice of collectivity within the Penahitam community, as well as the mechanisms that allow it to remain active and continually evolve within Indonesia’s independent art scene.