Culture

What is it about pets that can remedy our loneliness? Whether they're nonchalant felines or energetic pooches, pets have a mysterious way of keeping us healthy in the face of isolation.

As an architect and a keen observer, the pandemic has led Abimantra Pradhana to pleasant discoveries of unusual homes and intriguing facades within neighbourhoods of South Jakarta, which, lucky for us, he documents and shares on his social media. Spotted along his usual walking route, the series has enlightened fellow architecture enthusiasts as well as those who are only just discovering its delight.

Two years into the pandemic, we’re no strangers to postponing celebrations, such as weddings, on which Associate Editor Hilda Raina reflects on the realities couples face and learn about commitment, empathy, and communication, in the name of the big day.

In an age where most things are short-lived, the sculpted paper flora of Lilco Flowers are challenging the norm for single-use decoratives with ethereal floral arrangements, which equate in beauty, but triumphs over its living counterpart with their long-lasting nature.

Once one half of Bandung duo Banda Neira, Rara Sekar Larasati renewed her commitment to music with a new solo persona as Hara and an idyllic traditional folk E.P. "Kenduri", presenting the artist's ethereal yet grounded exploration of her spiritual relationship with gardening and Mother Nature.

In the thick of the pandemic last year, Lunch For My Husband surfaced on Instagram feeds and introduced a new infatuation for sandwiches. Whether it was the names or the beautifully crafted sandwiches and homemade ingredients, the home business is thriving on its ability to deliver craveable flavours into a series of fun lunch options.