The Journey Of Mbah Lan
Yahya Rifandaru
135x135cm
$2,500.00
Yahya Rifandaru
I am Yahya Rifandaru from Kudus, Central Java. I began my artistic journey under my father's guidance, a visual arts teacher. My style blends realism, expressionism, and abstraction, influenced by my studies in Visual Communication Design and work in advertising. I view success as creating art that leaves a cultural legacy, inspiring future generations. My creative process is organic and spontaneous, focusing on themes of spirituality and the cycles of life. I aim to discover sustainable natural dyes and embrace collaboration with other artists. I see art as a celebration of life and a means to engage viewers in reflection. Art galleries are essential for my growth, allowing me to reach broader audiences.
Yahya Rifandaru
1 Artworks
Sort
Sort By
Showing 1-1 of 1
RETURN TO TOP
get to know the artist
Interview with Yahya Rifandaru
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was born and raised in Kudus, Central Java. I learned to draw and paint from my father, who happens to be an art teacher in a junior high school.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
My drawing style was shaped by learning to paint from elementary school, incorporating a mixture of realism, expressionism, and abstraction, along with illustration and comic drawing styles I developed while studying Visual Communication Design and working at an advertising agency. My biggest influence is my father.
How do you define success as an artist?
For me, a successful artist is one whose work becomes a cultural or historical legacy, passing on knowledge to future generations, even if it's just within a small circle, like family.
How do you develop your art skills?
I work with a flowing method, enjoying the movement—the esoteric movement of the painting hand, in harmony with the vibrations of the universe, without sketching in the initial stages. The goal is to celebrate the present moment while painting. Afterward, I define the form and narrative by responding to the shapes that emerge.
Describe your dream project.
I would love to explore how to find natural dyes that are durable for painting, batik, and textiles. Utilizing natural materials can encourage sustainability, as it motivates people to plant more.
What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?
Some of my latest works explore spirituality and respond to fundamental understandings about the universe, birth, death, and the life cycle in cosmic balance.
Is there a specific theme or message that you want to convey through your artwork?
There isn't a specific theme in my work. My art is more about responding to and exploring different perspectives on reality. Often, I touch on the relativity of values like right and wrong, but I don't convey these ideas literally.
How would you describe your creative process? Is there a special technique or medium that you use?
I don't have a special technique, and I currently use conventional media. My flowing, sketch-free method is like active meditation, and it’s my way of celebrating life.
How do you overcome challenges in creating art?
I face challenges with joy because, for me, drawing is a celebration of life and a form of gratitude.
As an artist, what is your favorite quote?
"Stay enthusiastic, explore, and continue to work consistently.