The Tale Of Corn
Zaki Amr
70x118 CM
$500.00
Zaki Amr
M. Zaki Amrulloh, also known by his nickname Zaki Amr, is a young artist born in Tuban. He began his interest in the arts in 2018. Since elementary school, he frequently participated in competitions such as Porseni and other art contests. Later, he continued to pursue his passion for fine arts at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, where he is currently enrolled.
Zaki is active in various branches of fine arts, including drawing, painting, performance art, crafting, and serving as a workshop practitioner for "Paper Recycle." Coming from a background as the child of a farmer in a rural area, his drawings often highlight themes and issues related to agriculture, farming, and the environment. His work particularly focuses on corn farmers and rain-fed farmland, reflecting his daily life experiences as the child of a corn farmer.
Zaki Amr
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Interview with Zaki Amr
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was born into a farming family in southern Tuban, in Pekuwon Village, Rengal District, where most residents grow rice and corn. My childhood was deeply connected to agriculture, but for the past three years, I’ve lived in Surabaya to pursue higher education.
City life is vastly different, but it reminds me how urban and rural areas are interconnected—every human needs food. This realization often brings back memories of the farming routines I grew up with, which now inspire my art. My work explores agricultural themes, from climate change to farming practices. While I dream of farming, my path led me to fine art. Through my art, I channel my desire to farm, creating as if I am “farming” on paper or other mediums.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Two artists who have had the greatest influence on my work are Pak Nandang Gumelar Wahyudi and Pak Joko Pramono.
How do you define success as an artist?
I always imagine that a successful artist is one who can sustain their art, allowing their art to sustain them in return. Beyond that, their work should also impact the social environment and the world of fine arts. In my view, “Art is a way of being responsible.” As Pak Nandang says, “Art must be a path to discovering oneself.”
How do you develop your art skills?
I develop my art by maintaining consistency, such as drawing every day using any medium and anywhere. I usually carry a handmade A5 notebook made of HVS paper, along with a pencil or pen. I also frequently seek references from social media, attend art exhibitions, and engage in discussions with friends and seniors.
Describe your dream project.
I want to experience a residency, either independently in a village or at someone's home who explores farming practices. My inspiration comes from figures like Pak Naryo, Mas Tyo, or Mbak Ester. There, I hope to learn farming while continuing to create art, with the ultimate goal of holding a solo exhibition.
What is the main inspiration behind your latest artwork?
I am interested in exploring the concept of the Pranata Mangsa Calendar, which holds profound philosophical value in agricultural practices and life.
Is there a specific theme or message that you want to convey through your artwork?
I am always amazed by the gratitude and sincerity of farmers. Farming is not just about technique or economics; it also encompasses values, identity, and humanity’s relationship with nature. Although modern farming faces complex challenges—from technical issues to ecological balance—I often imagine what an ideal farming practice would look like. In my art, I frequently explore questions like: What would Indonesian agriculture look like if it adopted practices in harmony with nature? Even so, I aim to avoid coming across as pretentious or didactic.
How would you describe your creative process? Is there a special technique or medium that you use?
My creative process starts with jotting down ideas in notebooks, whether as sketches or text. I enjoy writing and often find inspiration in unexpected places, like the toilet, where I feel free to think deeply.
These notes evolve into artworks, often inspired by relevant issues. During my internship with Pak Nandang, I learned methods like concept mapping, which helped me break down large themes—like agriculture—into subthemes for a series of works. While I explore various media, including canvas, installations, and performance art, drawing on paper remains my true form of self-expression.
How do you overcome challenges in creating art?
My biggest challenge is maintaining a stable mood and balancing my time between creating art and other work, such as murals, portrait sketches, illustrations, and teaching extracurricular activities at an elementary school. These jobs help me meet personal needs and purchase materials for my art.
As an artist, what is your favorite quote?
Some quotes that influence my perspective on art are:
W.S. Rendra: “What is the meaning of art if it is detached from the suffering of the environment.”
Art is an expression, whether of the suffering around us or within ourselves. It holds meaning when it involves genuine emotion and is conveyed in the unique style of the artist.
Yayoi Kusama: “Art is a way to survive the madness of this world by creating your own madness.”