Behind Talitha Nashtiti's Painting for Pocari Sweat Indonesia's Billboard
Pocari Sweat Indonesia has launched a new design for their can packaging, inspired by the blue of our planet. Titled "Blue Planet Can," this campaign aligns with Pocari Sweat's commitment to environmental conservation. To mark this launch, Pocari Sweat partnered with well-known visual artist Talitha Nashtiti Maranila, who created an oil painting on recycled Pocari Sweat cans. The artwork is prominently displayed on a massive 30 by 15-meter billboard. Completing such a grand piece with brushstrokes was a meaningful experience for Talitha, pushing her beyond her usual artistic mediums. Grafis Masa Kini had the opportunity to speak with Talitha about the process behind her painting.
Talitha's collaboration with Pocari Sweat Indonesia began when she was approached by Good Reason Agency, who mentioned that the isotonic beverage brand had been seeking an artist for their latest project. Pocari Sweat Indonesia wanted an artist capable of capturing the essence of their signature blue color. Talitha, who often incorporates blue into her work, seemed a perfect fit for their vision. "My works are known for their specific depth of blue, which intrigued them (Pocari Sweat Indonesia) to collaborate," Talitha explained.
Once both parties agreed on the project, the creative process for the large billboard painting commenced, involving two key tasks for Talitha: painting directly onto the billboard vinyl and creating a recycled can sculpture from five thousand used Pocari Sweat cans. The artist had a set timeframe to complete both tasks. "I was given less than a week to finish the painting and eight days for the recycled can sculpture," Talitha shared. She decided to use oil paint with Liquin to speed up the drying process, a decision she found challenging given the tight schedule. "It was quite crazy to decide on oil paint with such limited time, considering the durability and stronger pigment required for a billboard exposed to sun and rain," she elaborated.
With a hint of humor, Talitha mentioned that using acrylic paint would have made her life easier. However, she prioritized durability and optimal execution over convenience. "Personally, I feel that with oil paint, the process of painting is more immersive compared to acrylic," she added. Unlike the painting process, creating the recycled can sculpture involved sorting through thousands of cans sent by Pocari Sweat Indonesia to Talitha's studio. Each can was meticulously inspected as not all were usable. Talitha repaired cans with minor damage to incorporate them into the installation. After careful selection, the cans were cleaned and assembled into a cohesive piece.
Following the lengthy process, Talitha's painting for Pocari Sweat's "Blue Planet Can" project finally made its debut on the main streets of Jakarta, in Senayan. Talitha's oil painting techniques and blue brushstrokes, resembling ocean waves, captivated many viewers, conveying a message aligned with Pocari Sweat Indonesia's vision as a company and movement. According to Talitha, the blue painting symbolizes vastness and continuity, representing both the sky and the sea. "What exists in the sky and the ocean," she explained. Talitha further elaborated that our planet is a small universe in the physical world of humans and is a part of us, highlighting the inseparable connection between humans and the universe. This painting aims to encourage the public to be more mindful and responsible for the integrity and preservation of the environment. "What is outside of us in this world is a reflection of ourselves. Therefore, this world is the responsibility of every human walking on it. So, it's only right that we all be more aware in maintaining its balance," Talitha emphasized.
Painting on such a gigantic medium with a specific deadline is no simple task for a visual artist. Fortunately, Talitha is someone who enjoys challenges and constantly strives to step out of her comfort zone. This project marks her first billboard installation, and through the process, Talitha gained valuable insights and lessons that are essential for a visual artist's growth. "One of the lessons I learned is how to produce (works) efficiently with careful planning because unexpected things can always happen," she noted. Additionally, the collaboration with Pocari Sweat Indonesia pushed Talitha to hone her visual art skills. The tension she felt during the creation process surprised her when she received positive feedback from the public. "I was quite surprised by the positive response from the public, maybe because they didn't see this coming too," she said. In closing, Talitha hopes her painting channels great positive energy—like its medium—to everyone who sees it.
