Adista Putri

1990

Adista Putri, an artist from Jakarta, possesses a Renaissance-inspired artistic flair and employs oil paints as her chosen medium. Three years ago, she underwent a significant shift by relocating to Bali, a move that profoundly influenced her artistic pursuits. Before immersing herself in the serene ambience of the Islands of God, she perceived her painting style as somewhat abstract, infused with traces of Renaissance narratives. Identifying Sandro Botticelli as her primary artistic influence, she embarked on a transformative journey. Adista often gets asked by many people regarding the prevailing darkness in her paintings and the recurrent portrayal of figures from demonology like Lilith and Lucifer. Her rationale behind this choice is to shed light on the dark facets inherent in humanity. She believes everyone harbors a dark side, considering it an integral aspect of human nature. For her, depicting dark and demonic characters serves to encourage individuals to reconcile with their shadows and find peace within them.

Inquiry

get to know the artist

Interview with Adista Putri

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

Originally from Jakarta, I moved to Bali three years ago, a shift that deeply shaped my art. Before, my style blended abstraction with Renaissance narratives but felt incomplete. During the pandemic's quiet moments, I embraced realist Renaissance art, discovering it as the missing piece in my creative journey. This style has since evolved into my signature approach, defining my work today.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My primary artistic influence is none other than Sandro Botticelli.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success is subjective and hard to define. For me, being an artist is like having an extra sense—a way to communicate beyond words. A successful artist is someone who conveys their message effectively through their art, reaching others or even themselves.

How do you develop your art skills?

I love to play around with different styles and techniques that catch my eye. It's like my own art playground! I also draw inspiration from artists I admire. Learning about their creative processes and how they craft their masterpieces is a great motivator for me. So, my art journey is this wonderful blend of experimentation and learning from the greats.

Describe your dream project.

My dream project would be to going on a journey across various countries and cities, creating a unique painting inspired by each place I visit. The idea of capturing the essence and energy of different locations through my art is incredibly exciting to me.

What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?

I'm currently working on a deeply emotional piece that feels both exhilarating and overwhelming, akin to being 'madly in love' or filled with longing. It centers on the love story of Psyche and Eros, a tale of forbidden yet unyielding passion. Through this painting, I'm capturing their strength and determination to overcome all obstacles for love.

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

Many overlook the dark backgrounds in my art. My mom once said, "These themes might not sell; people prefer cheerful art." But I strive for authenticity, capturing life's sadness, emptiness, and healing journeys. My work explores overlooked emotions, highlighting their depth and role in growth.

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

As I mentioned before, my creative journey has involved experimenting with various techniques and mediums, from abstract to watercolors. However, oil painting truly resonates with me. Its slow, blendable flow brings each stroke to life, creating unmatched beauty and excitement.

How do you overcome challenges in creating art?

My main challenge is time—balancing a full-time job with art can be draining. Work often takes over, but my passion drives me to find moments to create. My love for art keeps me anchored and motivated despite life's demands.

As an artist, what is your favorite quote?

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." -Pablo Picasso