Pieta
Jonathan Chanutomo
80x160 CM
$1,600.00
Jonathan Chanutomo
My name is Jonathan, an artist from Surabaya, Indonesia. Growing up in a bold and direct culture shaped my art, which often features vibrant colors and provocative themes. Inspired by classical masters like Michelangelo and Rubens, I blend traditional symbolism with modern pop culture and social phenomena to create meaningful pieces.
To me, art is a communication tool—a way to express my views and provoke thought. Success is about inspiring and influencing my audience, not just pleasing everyone. My creative process involves constant learning through podcasts and documentaries, drawing from history, politics, and spirituality to fuel my ideas. Travel, curiosity, and emotions are my main inspirations, and I see myself as a visual journalist, reflecting life’s complexities. I dream of collaborating with renowned brands and creating art that resonates widely. As Gustav Klimt’s quote reminds me, I focus on connecting deeply with my audience rather than trying to please everyone.
Jonathan Chanutomo
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get to know the artist
Interview with Jonathan Chanutomo
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I'm Jonathan from Surabaya, Indonesia. Born and raised in Surabaya somewhat contributes to my bold personality. People from Surabaya have a stereotype of being direct and loud, and I embody those qualities. It somewhat reflected my artwork. I love to work on bold, provocative pieces, done in vibrant colors.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
I believe it's art history / classical art. Artists influence other artists, and I got my biggest inspiration from the old masters. I learned about context, symbolism, and how to apply those things on my artworks from artists like Michaelangelo and Rubens. However, as a millenial, I also got a lot of inspiration from pop culture and recent social phenomena.
How do you define success as an artist?
A successful artist in my perspective is an influential one. I study visual communication design, and I saw my artwork as a communication medium, to express my view / arguments about some phenomenon / occasions. Provocation sometimes needed to push one message to be acknowledged by the audience. I will consider myself as a successful artist, when I can inspire / influence my audience to embrace, or at least understand my view over a situation.
How do you develop your art skills?
I'm a constant learner. When I work, I keep listening to podcasts / documentaries about many things. It develops my perspective (i believe that the most important aspect for making an artwork is our mind). The more I invest in my mind, the more creative and forward I will be. It will be reflected in the artworks that I create.
Describe your dream project.
I would like to collaborate with major household name / well acknowledged brands.
What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?
The main inspiration comes from my curiosity, emotions, and the places I visit. Traveling and getting in touch with my feelings help me create meaningful art. Additionally, I see myself as a visual journalist, channeling my views on situations and reflecting on various aspects of life.
Is there a specific theme or message that you want to convey through your artwork?
Yes, I aim to provoke thought and inspire my audience to embrace or understand my perspective on various situations. My work reflects my opinions and seeks to create dialogue through Surrealism and Symbolism. I position my art as Classical art brought into a modern context, often provocatively.
How would you describe your creative process? Is there a special technique or medium that you use?
I am a constant learner, always expanding my mind by listening to podcasts and documentaries on history, politics, spirituality, and more. This shapes my creative perspective. I often work in cafes with friends, as I am energized by people with similar vibes. When working alone, I immerse myself in enriching content. In terms of technique, I’ve experimented with combining illustrations and photography, and my paintings reflect a blend of Classical and modern influences.
How do you overcome challenges in creating art?
I invest heavily in my mind and perspective, believing that mental growth leads to creative solutions. Staying curious and open to learning allows me to adapt and face challenges. Surrounding myself with inspiring people and ideas also helps me maintain my creative momentum.
As an artist, what is your favorite quote?
It's Gustav Klimt's Quote in his painting, "Nuda Veritas" KANNST DU NICHT ALLEN GEFALLEN DURCH DEINE THAT UND DEIN KUNSTWERK – MACH ES WENIGEN RECHT: VIELEN GEFALLEN IST SCHLIMM“.
(if you can't please everyone with your actions and your artwork – please only a few: to please many is bad“). It reminds me that I cannot please every single soul with my artworks, therefore I should know my market, my audience. I should gain their favor and trust if I want to be celebrated and get the ability to influence them.