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Abstract

The cyanotype artwork Fusion Dialogue: Trade of Faith by Budi Agung Kuswara represents a contemporary art practice that combines cyanotype techniques and mixed media to construct visual narratives of colonialism, trade, spirituality, and cultural identity. This study aims to identify the visual symbols embedded in the artwork and analyze their meanings based on Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with the researcher serving as the primary instrument. Data were collected through observation, documentation, interviews with the artist, and a literature review. Analysis involved symbol identification as well as denotative, connotative, mythological, and aesthetic analyses. The findings reveal that the artwork is composed of fifteen major symbols that construct visual narratives concerning colonialism, global trade, agrarian identity, spirituality, and the relationship between humans and nature. At the denotative level, these symbols represent trade activities, agrarian life, and ritual practices. At the connotative and mythological levels, they reveal colonial power relations, processes of cultural exchange, and the construction of Nusantara cultural identity. The findings indicate that Fusion Dialogue: Trade of Faith functions as a medium for critical reflection on colonial history, cultural dynamics, and spiritual values in contemporary society.

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