PSYCHEDELIC JUNGLE
Every shirt and garment is made entirely by human hands. From sewing to printing, each piece begins with the artwork itself — a painting that takes months to complete — before being carefully translated onto fabric.
Over many years, we’ve had the rare privilege of working alongside our close friend and long-standing creative collaborator, Deknoo. Based in Ubud, Bali’s cultural epicenter, his practice is deeply rooted in the island’s mythic imagination.
In his latest work for us, Memedi, Deknoo draws us into a dense, otherworldly jungle rendered in meticulous pen-and-ink linework, layered with natural pigments on paper. Acid-bright hues pulse through the composition as water, foliage, and pattern intertwine, creating a living landscape that feels both ancient and alive. The scene moves between realms — where the visible and invisible coexist — rich with mysticism, rhythm, and quiet intensity.
Painting process
MEMEDI - Ink & Natural pigments on paper, 75 x 56 cm, by Deknoo Adnyana Dass 2024
In Balinese folklore, the Memedi are mystical spirits believed to dwell in the natural world—within trees, dense forests, water sources, and large rocks. These spirits, unseen yet present, are deeply connected to the island’s traditions and beliefs.
The central theme of Memedi revolves around their mischievous nature. It is said that if their domain is disturbed, they tease or “play” with children, luring them to their hidden realm. Characterised by their distinct features—long hair, large hands with elongated nails, and faces devoid of a philtrum—the Memedi personify the mysterious and enigmatic side of nature.
The painting vividly captures the duality of the human and spirit realms. A family frantically searches for a missing child, surrounded by dense, vibrant foliage where the Memedi are concealed. In Balinese tradition, the key to retrieving a lost child lies in the unity of the community and the power of the Gamelan—traditional Balinese music played continuously until the child is safely returned to the human realm.
Memedi serves as a symbolic reminder of the harmony that must exist between humans and nature. Balinese wisdom teaches us to respect the spirit realm, protect natural ecosystems, and live in balance with the world around us. By honouring the trees, water, rocks, and forests, we nurture a peaceful coexistence with both visible and invisible forces that share our world.
This visually striking artwork not only captures the folklore but also highlights the profound cultural lesson: to care for each other and the natural environment, fostering peace between the human and spiritual realms.
