A.M.Dante

1986

A.M. Dante is a self-taught visual artist from Kendal, Central Java, specializing in photorealism. Influenced by artists like Bestrizal Besta and Gabriel Moreno, his work explores themes of perseverance and responsibility. Despite limited local art infrastructure, he has gained exposure through social media and collaborations. His proudest achievement is winning the 2021 UOB Painting of the Year award. Known for his monochromatic charcoal works, he continues to refine his craft and dreams of holding a solo exhibition, believing that "Art is long, life is short."

Inquiry

get to know the artist

Interview with A.M.Dante

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I come from Kendal City, one of the district cities in Central Java, on the north coast near Semarang, the influence on my work as a painter does require effort to introduce my work to the public because it is possible that like some areas that are not included in the barometer of art, so the atmosphere and the infrastructure is less supportive in this regard. But for now, it is helped by the existence of social media and building networks with fellow artists outside the city.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I learned a lot from several established artists to be my artistic influence in my work and indeed do not refer to just one artist, perhaps more specifically artists whose visual style is photographic realism, because the discipline that I work on to express myself using that style. There are for example those I admire from Indonesia, Bestrizal Besta, Jumaldi Alfi, Pramuhendra, RE Hartanto, from abroad Gabriel Moreno, Emanuele Dascanio, etc.

How do you define success as an artist?

When my work can be useful and I am able to do a lot and be useful to the people around me with what I have done.

How do you develop your art skills?

I developed my art skills autodidactically by gaining a lot of knowledge from seniors and through the internet.

Describe your dream project.

I dream of being able to have a solo exhibition one day and I dream that my work can enter or contribute to the Indonesian art scene.

What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?

I am inspired by my daily stories, I meet new people, sometimes unexpected, and from there I get a lot of new knowledge, share experiences exchanging ideas with those people. From there, there are many things that I can pick up to express in my work.

Is there a specific theme or message that you want to convey through your artwork?

Pursue what you have dreams and aspirations for, and be responsible for our choices.

How would you describe your creative process? Is there a special technique or medium that you use?

In my work I use charcoal on canvas, with a dominant monochrome feel. I feel that exploring with charcoal creates a unique sensation, because charcoal is a medium that is quite difficult to master, complicated, and not many people use this medium to create works of art. Serious work.

How do you overcome challenges in creating art?

When I feel stuck in my work, I refresh myself by doing something else first, for example having a discussion with my friends, whether they are in the same profession or not, to get new energy so that I can refresh myself to continue my progress.

As an artist, what is your favorite quote?

Ars longa, vita brevis (Art is long, life is short).