Teaching and cultural leadership
Education and community work have been constant in Ishakim’s life. Since 1993 he has taught extracurricular art in schools across Makassar, from kindergartens to IAIN Alauddin, and collaborated with senior artists like the late Ali Walangadi. He guided students in practical craft and in the confidence to present art publicly.
He also taught scenography to theater students at ISBI Makassar and served as artistic director on countless performances and opening ceremonies since 1986.
His role as mentor extends into formal institutions: he helped found and led cultural organizations including the Makassar Arts Council (DKM), Dewan Kesenian Sulawesi Selatan (DKSS), ISRI SELEBASSI, and Forum Sastra Indonesia Timur (FOSAIT).
His involvement in LATARNUSA and customary cultural bodies shows his commitment to both innovation and cultural continuity.
Exhibitions and environmental practice
Ishakim’s exhibition history charts an artist attentive to form and context. From early collaborations in 1985 and participation in the Biennale Young Artists in Jakarta, to solo shows at Maccini Danggang Gallery and environmental art performances across South Sulawesi in the 1990s, his practice engaged with both the gallery and the public realm.
Notable projects include environmental-installation works staged in Gowa and Makassar (1996–1997), a multi-artist installation in 2000 supported by the Japan Foundation, and community-centered exhibitions that connected local audiences to urgent themes such as ecology and energy.
Theatre, film, and cultural storytelling
Performance has always been a living laboratory for Ishakim. He performed Datu Cammanni on TVRI Makassar and participated in World Dance Day activities.
His theater projects with Teater Kita Makassar from intimate family pieces to collaborative works at Societeit de Harmonie and international stages highlight his belief that theater can anchor communities and translate local myths into contemporary forms.
He also contributed to Indonesian cinema in feature films such as ATI RAJA, TOENG, DATU MUSENG — MAIPA DEAPATI, and DOTI.
Writing as Witness
Words have their own place in Ishakim’s oeuvre. He published several poetry collections and anthologies, titles include Kuantar Kau ke Makassar, Tanam Jarum Lautan Hati Jutaan Garis Menjahit Kisah, Pesan Dini Hari, Impresi Psudo Kata dan Garis and a short-story collection APES (an anti-corruption project). Some of his work appears in the critical anthology Indonesian Literature in World Literature by Narudin Pituin, reflecting how his writing contributes to national conversations about art and society.
A Life of Cultural Stewardship
Throughout his career, Ishakim has served as judge, panelist, and resource person at workshops, seminars, and book reviews. He helped build and sustain artist communities from Sanggar Seni Tompo Biring to Teater Kita Makassar and he remains active in ritual and customary events that preserve South Sulawesi’s intangible heritage.
