I Don't Want to Be a Part of Your Legend, 2004
Video, DVD Format

Known as one of Indonesia’s premiere performance artists, Arahmaiani has also recently begun experimenting with video. "I Don’t Want to be a Part of Your Legend" is her reinterpretation of "the examination of Sinta," the final scene of the Ramayana. Originally an Indian Hindu epic, the Ramayana, remains a potent filter through which Javanese interpret current events, and provides them ideal social and spiritual role models. Rather than surviving the trial by fire designed to prove her chastity, in Arahmaiani’s version, Sinta is consumed by the flames of purification. It is more by choice than as proof of her guilt that Sinta succumbs to the flames; transforming her corporeal life giving powers into their cosmic regenerative forces. "I Don’t want to be a Part of Your Legend" is also autobiographical; Arahmaiani’s response to the scrutiny and control over women’s bodies in a patriarchal society.
(Text by Amanda Rath)