Bringing together books, artists, and ideas, Jordan is a book designer and the founder and publisher of Jordan, jordan Édition , an independent publishing house dedicated to Indonesian artists.
Working closely with artists, writers, and researchers, Jordan’s practice explores publications as a way to engage with social, political, and cultural histories. Alongside publishing, he collaborates with art and cultural institutions both locally and internationally, continuing to explore the many ways stories can be documented, shared, and remembered.
1. HR GIGER
Alien movie was a big part of my childhood trauma, thanks to my parents who let me watch all the early films. I thought this book would be a great way to explore the more expansive world of H.R. Giger’s work, while also introducing his early works to a new generation—one that might have jumped straight into the more recent Alien franchise and missed the good old days of practical effects over CGI. The book is a reminder of how influential his diabolical imagination was, far beyond just Alien.
2. David Hockney - My Window
The first time I encountered Hockney’s iPad drawings was at his recent exhibition A Year in Normandie at the Serpentine Gallery, which I visited shortly after his passing. I felt that his idea of “looking with both eyes” was a very, very serious take on looking. especially for my rotten brain, which has been fried by endless doom-scrolling. His iPad drawings are very inspiring to me. I’m someone who never really learned, or perhaps simply can’t, paint with oils or traditional mediums, but I draw on my iPad all the time. Seeing Hockney embrace the medium so wholeheartedly is a nice reminder that the tool itself doesn’t really matter. It’s about how you look at the world.
3. Small Stories Of Great Artists
Children’s books played a big role in my life. My mother would tell me stories from children’s books almost every day. Even when she repeated the same book over and over, such as the tale of the Three Little Pigs, where the pigs are hunted by a wolf who eventually ends up dead in a boiling cauldron.
Unfortunately, none of those stories were about great artists. I really wish I had grown up with books like this, so that I could have discovered Frida Kahlo at an early age. But it’s never too late to learn about these great artists as an adult, especially when their stories are presented from a more playful perspective. After all, the stories we usually hear about great artists tend to be filled with depression and hardships.
4. Pears Magazine
The magazine brings back the good old fashion magazine days…. one that feels a little more radical, speaks for the less-heard voices, and is filled with great editorial shoots and writing. I really wish this could initiate more and more fashion magazines being created across Indonesia, and more alternative magazine stores, and racks!
5. Guide To Modern Manners
Lastly, I just think I need this book. I just feel like I need to know how to behave like a proper human being. Also, I really hope Art & Science brings more paperback and trade books from the around the world.