Description:

‘Kancil and Tiger’ is an Indonesian folktale that follows a mouse-deer, a witty trickster, and a tiger, the king of the jungle. This project moves beyond the typical predator-prey dynamic to explore the story's deeper themes of power and individual agency. By seeing things from both the eyes of Kancil and the Tiger, the motivations and vulnerabilities that drive their actions are revealed.

To support my exploration of multiple perspectives within one narrative, I’ve chosen the format of a concertina. It creates an interactive experience for the reader as they lift the Tiger’s mask or peer under the Kancil’s leaves, visually and physically emphasising the theme of secrecy shared by both characters and drawing the viewer in to the call and response nature of the narrative on show.
The concertina has two sides to it, one contains the Kancil’s version of the story, and the other the Tiger’s. Interestingly, both characters resort to deception to get by. Kancil is a trickster who understands the Tiger’s weakness of greed and uses it against him. Kancil shows us that strength isn't about physical power, but about being resourceful. The Tiger embodies a more common archetype of the bully who uses a show of force to mask their insecurities.
Colour, texture, and typography are used to differentiate between each characters' point-of-view, aiding the reader in navigating the story from both sides. There is a subtle nod to traditional art techniques, Indonesian dot painting paired with bold and crisp illustration. Maintaining a modern feel while incorporating cultural authenticity to suggest a story passed down through generations.

The project brings a silenced story back to life, helping to preserve and celebrate Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage while sparking conversations around important issues. At one point in Indonesian history, the story of ‘Kancil and Tiger’ was banned in schools and libraries for promoting the concept of bravery against oppression. This was what inspired me to choose the story, it carries a strong message about standing up to those who hold more power, an important narrative in any time and place. The project emphasises the importance of individual choice – the decisions we make in difficult times shape who we become. By presenting this theme in a relatable way, the project has the potential to ignite discussions about social justice and resisting oppression. I hope to bring this important story to life and inspire courage and determination in a new generation. ‘Kancil and Tiger’ isn't just a retelling, it's a chance to explore and grow.