I am from Sragen, Central Java. However, I was raised in a diverse environment, with parents from different backgrounds and professions. My father is from Jakarta and is an artist who lived in Bali for 25 years, while my mother is from Sragen and works in the medical business. Sragen has greatly influenced my artistic development and perspective, sparking new ideas and references recently. Historically, Sragen and its surrounding areas have several significant sites from the prehistoric era, the Hindu-Buddhist transition period, and the Islamic kingdom era. I believe Sragen offers plenty of rich references for my work. I currently reside in and actively create art in Yogyakarta, where I have been shaped as an artist.

My parents, of course, and my life journey, especially through my education and artistic experiences. I grew up in a medical and artistic environment. In high school, I majored in science, but I later delved deeply into art during my studies at ISI Yogyakarta. Ironically, after graduating from art school, I befriended many academics and cultural scholars, who opened my eyes to the 'treasures' of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, which I continue to explore. Many artists have inspired my artistic spirit during my studies, especially key figures of the Renaissance, like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Van Eyck, along with pioneers of Western modernism. I also draw inspiration from the ancestors of the Hindu-Buddhist era in the archipelago. I can't pinpoint one of them as the 'most influential' since each has a unique 'spirit' that impacts different aspects of their specialization and talent. But the most important influence has always been the support of my parents.

My definition of success as an artist is the "sacredness and appreciation of achievements." Each artistic career has its own color in life or the development of its works, so every series or period of an artist’s work leaves a deep impression on both the artist and the audience, creating something that can be remembered. An artist is considered successful when they create important, influential, and even extraordinary works during challenging times—whether it's financial crises, life's complexities, or creative blockages. A successful artist creates innovation and enlightenment in every period while still struggling to achieve their dreams. It may be personal, but every artist's career is personal, so it's not easy to generalize. For me, the history of an artist can sometimes surpass the material value of their work. In essence, success as an artist remains abstract as long as they continue their artistic journey. It’s easier to define a 'failed artist' than a 'successful one,' as there will always be different levels of success in an artist’s life.

So far, I have been refining my creative ideas and learning new things, including disciplines that may be unrelated or connected to the specific themes I'm currently or will be working on. My work process is quite conceptual, although the execution remains conventional. My approach to art tends to be inter- and multidisciplinary, as can be seen in the evolution of my series and periods of work. I’ve learned a lot through reading books, staying updated on current cultural issues, and discussing with colleagues from different disciplines, not just the visual arts. All ideas are tied to my experiences and life’s restlessness.

I would like to present works based on rigorous and collaborative research, showcased through monumental solo exhibitions in a roadshow format, particularly in representative spaces such as galleries, museums, and influential cultural institutions, both formal and informal, locally and globally. It might take the form of an art residency and research project, culminating in presentations or art talks for each project.

In the past four years, my love for Indonesia's cultural heritage and the diversity of ethnic groups and cultures has grown rapidly. This passion gave birth to two monumental series and their sub-series. The first is the I-MANTRA series, and the second is the ICONICT series. ICONICT was born after the initial pandemic, focusing on myths and regional wealth in Indonesia that I have visited, forming an emotional connection with my life experiences. The sub-series Papua Cluster is still in progress, preparing both paintings and sculptures/3D works. I-MANTRA explores my knowledge of cultural heritage issues today, specifically ideas using objects from ancient Javanese and classical Javanese civilizations as the primary focus. This series is a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort, requiring several external sources for its realization. Both of these monumental series are time and energy-consuming, but therein lies the satisfaction of striving to bring the works to life as envisioned.

Certainly. In earlier series, I emphasized visual innovation, but the ideas presented were perhaps too broad, addressing complex issues and always focusing on philosophical and rational aspects. Over the past four years, I’ve begun to narrow down my ideas to more personal yet rich in information and literacy. In all my work, I always refer to three main points: Innovation, Education, and Novelty. This is why every series of work I produce differs in terms of conceptual ideas and visual presentation. However, no matter how different they are, art appreciators always recognize and understand my style.

My creative process is primarily idea-based. I start with an investment of ideas, refining concepts that I find interesting or relevant to my life experiences—ideas that might make me restless or pertain to critical issues that I’ve curated from an array of raw concepts. This is followed by concept development, object selection, and a small or intensive research phase, depending on the scope of the issue. This is the contemplation stage, where I mature the ideas and objects I’ve chosen. The final stage is the creation and manifestation of the work. I don’t let limitations in technique or medium hinder me, and the idea often evolves, generating new ideas and expanding the series.

If I can’t overcome a challenge, I usually take a break and engage in creative therapy or healing, pausing my creative routine to reflect and find a solution. Some of my healing methods include small research trips to cultural heritage sites, meeting friends from different disciplines, and sharing with my parents.

"Create as you breathe because breathing is an expression of gratitude." — An art quote by RJP.