Grids and Hiccups: The Visual Dialogue between Ratta Bill and Nadine Hanisya
Grids and Hiccups, a collaborative exhibition by the creative duo behind Tiny Studio, Nadine Hanisya and Ratta Bill, officially opened at Sunset Limited, Grand Wijaya Center, South Jakarta, on February 20, 2025. Curated by Jordan Marzuki, this exhibition showcases diverse works that reflect the aesthetic harmony between two contrasting artistic practices—akin to a dialogue between two opposing voices. Structure and spontaneity—elements highlighted in Jordan’s curatorial text—intertwine and merge. The battle of egos in artistic practice is ultimately embraced as an integral part of the exhibition space.
Formed through their interaction at Tiny Studio, the works featured in this exhibition encapsulate Ratta and Nadine’s dynamic and unconventional creative process. This exhibition not only challenges the systems that shape graphic design practices but also highlights how ego can function as a constructive creative element. In the curatorial text, Jordan Marzuki explores the differences in the two artists’ approaches: “Ratta Bill, a graphic designer whose methods are rooted in structured systems, and, on the other side, Nadine Hanisya—a more spontaneous fine artist who explores themes of politics and gender through painting, sculpture, and photography.” When these two artistic approaches collide, Jordan notes that their works boldly challenge graphic design as a commodity, conformity, and a systematically authoritarian institutional system. This is evident in how both Nadine and Ratta manipulate design elements—layout, typography, texture—to create boundless visual possibilities.
In his works, Ratta Bill, who is accustomed to systematic approaches in graphic design, explores print design with a critical edge. His bold typographic experiments provoke questions and open opportunities to challenge conventional layouts. On the other hand, Nadine Hanisya presents a more intimate and expressive space through paintings and found-object installations, infused with imaginative storytelling and personal memories. When displayed on a single large wall, these clashing artistic practices create an unpredictable visual experience.
Grids and Hiccups will run until March 2, 2025, and is open to the public. For those eager to witness how two distinct artistic approaches can collide and engage in dialogue within a shared space, this exhibition offers a compelling exploration of the boundaries between design and art.
