Behind The Space
Dardanella Meri Helena
60x80 CM
$400.00
Dardanella Meri Helena
Dardanella Meri Helena, born in West Sumatra and raised in Bengkulu, finds her origins uninfluential to her art, as she wasn't raised in an artistic environment. Initially inspired by Disney films, her recent work draws from Renaissance and European noble portraits. She defines success as having her art appreciated globally and aspires to establish a museum for her work. Known for bold colors and detailed pieces, her favorite work is Perjalanan Imajinasi #1, inspired by the pandemic. She often explores themes of "healing" in her art. Constantly evolving, Dardanella is focused on refining her technique while experimenting with more complex concepts. Her creative process involves sketching ideas and transferring them to canvas using acrylics.
get to know the artist
Interview with Dardanella Meri Helena
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
My name is Dardanella Meri Helena, and I was born in West Sumatra and grew up in Bengkulu. I don't feel that my place of origin affects my work or my art. I wasn’t born into a family of artists or in an environment with artists.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
When I first started learning to paint in a studio during middle school, my teacher didn’t provide any references. He only taught techniques and let his students imagine freely. At that time, I was mostly inspired by Disney movies. However, recently, I’ve been heavily influenced by Renaissance works and European aristocratic portraits.
How do you define success as an artist?
For me, success is when my work can be enjoyed by people from all around the world and receives appreciation. It also involves connecting with many art collectors and curators. Ultimately, I dream of having a museum or gallery to archive my works, like the Affandi Museum.
How do you develop your art skills?
I constantly practice, explore new things, experiment, and learn. I always strive to create new works that are better than my previous ones.
Describe your dream project.
In the near future, perhaps in one or two years, I want to hold a solo exhibition featuring personal works. Up until now, I’ve been creating works inspired by external things that interest me, but none of them tell my own story. I still feel like I’m in a learning process, and when I’ve learned enough, I want to create personal pieces.
What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?
I’ve been greatly inspired by portraits of French nobility. The details of their accessories, clothing, and hairstyles are fascinating to me, so I’ve tried to incorporate that visual style into my latest pieces.
Is there a specific theme or message that you want to convey through your artwork?
Each of my works carries a different message and theme. However, I’ve recently noticed a common thread in my works—they mostly depict different forms of healing. For example, “Knowledge Series” focuses on healing through reading, “Morning Sustenance” portrays the beauty of breakfast in a serene setting, “Perjalanan Imajinasi” explores a journey through a fantasy world, while “Meadow Story” and “Spring Story” show the peacefulness of reading in gardens and meadows.
How would you describe your creative process? Is there a special technique or medium that you use?
The process of getting ideas or inspiration for my work usually starts with something I’m interested in or concerned about. I sketch these ideas on paper and develop them conceptually before transferring them to the canvas using acrylic paint.
How do you overcome challenges in creating art?
By trying and learning from them. Challenges are part of the learning process for improving my work.
As an artist, what is your favorite quote?
“Fake it till you make it.” Many young artists struggle with self-confidence because we’re just starting out and sometimes don’t feel like real artists yet. But to become professional, confidence is key. How will others believe in us if we don’t believe in ourselves or our work?
Dardanella Meri Helena
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