Showcase

In The Fold

Keumala Irina Sukma

Profile picture of Keumala Irina Sukma

Hey there! I am a jewellery designer from Indonesia with a focus on how material and form can express cultural narratives. My practice explores folding, wrapping and weaving as ways to shape jewellery that connects body, memory and tradition.

Hey there! I am a jewellery designer from Indonesia with a focus on how material and form can exp...

Keumala elegantly reimagines traditional Indonesian textiles and garment-wrapping techniques, drawing inspiration from the diverse cultural heritage of Indonesia’s many regions. Rooted in the designer’s Indonesian background, the pieces employ a fold-forming metalworking method to mimic the intricate folding and draping styles seen in traditional Indonesian clothing. Organic textures merge with structural forms, while symbolic motifs – often tied to cultural values like protection and unity – bridge historical traditions with modern craftsmanship. The collection celebrates the enduring significance of Indonesia’s textile arts in a new medium, translating their tactile, ceremonial and storytelling qualities into wearable contemporary jewellery. 

Interpretative text by Zhaoyang Ren, BA (Hons) Culture, Criticism and Curation 

Final work

  • dark brown patinated rings with fold forming technique and engraving, mimicking traditional Indonesian textile
  • dark brown patinated rings with fold forming technique and engraving, mimicking traditional Indonesian textile
  • dark brown patinated rings with fold forming technique and engraving, mimicking traditional Indonesian textile
  • dark brown patinated brooch with fold forming technique, incorporated with traditional Indonesian textile
  • dark brown patinated brooch with fold forming technique, incorporated with traditional Indonesian textile
  • dark brown patinated brooch with fold forming technique, incorporated with traditional Indonesian textile
dark brown patinated ring with wire bending technique resembling traditional Indonesian textile

Tenun

Ring

Copper, Brass

Research and process

  • Research and sketch on traditional Indonesian textile
  • Exploration on fold forming technique and wire bending. Three design sketches of collection

Share this project

In The Fold

Keumala elegantly reimagines traditional Indonesian textiles and garment-wrapping techniques, drawing inspiration from the diverse cultural heritage of Indonesia’s many regions. Rooted in the designer’s Indonesian background, the pieces employ a fold-forming metalworking metho...

A link to this page has been added to your clipboard

Browse related work