Moniarta

1981

Ketut Moniarta is a Bali-based artist who embraces abstract expressionism. After many attempts to find his ideal way of painting, he's come to the conclusion that he paints what he wants to see. As a father and artist, he loves spending time with his family and dedicates his life to creating abstract paintings. He graduated from the Institute of Arts Indonesia (ISI), Denpasar. As an artist, Ketut has been through ups and downs before he determined his ideal genre: abstract expressionism. At first, he was into realistic photos until he hit a dead-end. Then, he used other elements and materials, learning about Balinese art and portraits. For instance, his series "Ket I-IV" talks about his identity as a Balinese and the famous Balinese icon: Barong.

Inquiry

get to know the artist

Interview with Moniarta

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

I was born in Singaraja, in the northern part of Bali, and now live in Karangasem. My childhood in a village deeply influenced my decision to become a painter, as I loved drawing from a young age. My background and the support of my family have been essential in shaping my path as an artist.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest influences are artists like Rembrandt, Leon Kossof, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, Eugene Leroy, Frank Auerbach, and Markus Lupertz. Their techniques and approaches to expressionist abstraction have helped me understand the materiality of painting and pushed me toward the abstract expressionist style.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success for me is not just about marketing or material gain; it's about being able to confidently express what I imagine and feel. Success also means having people appreciate my work, earning enough to support my family, and having my art resonate with others.

How do you develop your art skills?

I continuously study master painters like Rembrandt and Cezanne. I often practice classical techniques, experiment with color palettes, and push myself to learn through every work I create. I also avoid following trends and focus more on developing my own expressionist style.

Describe your dream project.

My dream project is to complete my fourth solo exhibition, which has been delayed for almost 10 years. I envision it as a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced as an artist over the years.

What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?

My latest works are inspired by personal experiences and emotions. I draw from my environment and life’s journey, often incorporating abstract elements to explore deeper feelings and ideas that are hard to express verbally.

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

I paint what I want to see, aiming to express the beauty in confusion and the truth within collisions. My work reflects a search for honesty, both in myself and in the world around me, and I try to convey that message to my audience.

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

My creative process involves balancing daily life with art. I often work after finishing family duties. I paint intuitively, usually starting with an object that I abstract as I paint. I rely on a variety of materials, from traditional oils to more experimental media like encaustic.

How do you overcome challenges in creating art?

I face challenges by trusting the process and not setting overly high expectations. I give each piece its own time and space to evolve. When I hit creative roadblocks, I step back, reflect, and allow myself the freedom to explore.

As an artist, what is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is, "I paint what I want to see." It reflects my approach to art—honest, personal, and intuitive.