Bayu Wardhana

1964

Bayu Wardhana is an Impressionist painter from Yogyakarta. He is known for his quick and adept on-the-spot painting, capturing landscape moments with poetic impressions on canvas. This time, he captures the poetic moments of the theater stage, immortalizing the emotions and moving characters in his paintings. His works not only depict what happens during the process and performance but also open a space for dialogue to better understand the inner struggles of Inggit Ganarsih. As a painter, Bayu has participated in several biennales in Jogja, Central Java, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as dozens of exhibitions in Jogja, Central Java, and Jakarta. In 2015, he was one of the resident artists involved in the revitalization of Jakarta’s Old Town, organized by the Jakarta Old Town Revitalization Corporation and Jakarta Endowment For Art and Heritage.

Inquiry

get to know the artist

Interview with Bayu Wardhana

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

I am an Impressionist painter from Yogyakarta, and my connection with the region profoundly shapes my work. The tropical landscapes, the cultural richness, and the way the light and shadows interact at the Equator inspire my art. My paintings often reflect this interplay, where nature and human experience merge.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

While I admire artists like S. Sudjojono, who also portrayed nature with vivid detail, my work is distinctly impressionistic. I draw inspiration from the beauty around me, and I’ve chosen to work with quick-drying acrylics rather than oil paints, which allows me to keep up with the fast pace of on-the-spot painting.

How do you define success as an artist?

For me, success isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about conveying the depth of spirit in my work. I believe that even in fast, on-the-spot paintings, a painting can still carry soul and emotion if the artist’s intentions are pure and committed to creating meaningful, quality art.

How do you develop your art skills?

I develop my skills through constant practice and dedication to on-the-spot painting. Participating in biennales and exhibitions pushes me to grow and evolve as an artist, helping me refine my style while remaining true to the emotions I aim to capture.

Describe your dream project.

One of my dream projects was the revitalization of Jakarta’s Old Town, which allowed me to immerse myself in a historically and culturally rich environment. In the future, I’d love to work on projects that delve further into the intersections of culture, history, and art.

What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?

My latest work focuses on the theater stage, particularly capturing the emotional intensity of the performers. The character of Inggit Ganarsih and her inner struggles have been a key inspiration, as I aim to portray not just what happens on the stage, but the emotions behind it.

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

The relationship between humanity and nature is a recurring theme in my work. I often use shadows as a metaphor for the events, memories, and tragedies of life, inviting viewers to reflect on these intertwining themes in their own way.

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

My creative process revolves around painting on the spot, which allows me to quickly capture the essence of a scene. I use acrylic paints because they dry quickly, enabling me to move between different locations and subjects without losing momentum.

How do you overcome challenges in creating art?

The biggest challenge I face is maintaining the depth of spirit in my on-the-spot paintings. I overcome this by staying true to my intentions and focusing on creating meaningful, high-quality art that reflects my inner vision.

As an artist, what is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is, “The soul is inherent and organic—when the work arises from good intentions, presenting quality works that maintain sensitivity while remaining critical.” This resonates with how I approach my art, always striving to maintain integrity in my work.