Prajna Dewantara

Born : August 14, Jakarta 1992
Nationality : Indonesian
Interest : Art & Design

I was born in Jakarta, 14 August 1992. I graduated from Taman Rama School in 2010. I will be starting my Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts in ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology) in 2012.

Art has always been a part of my life. My parents were my first influence. My mother is a painter and an art teacher. My father was a successful photographer before becoming a spiritual teacher. In 2006 my parents divorced and two years later my mother remarried. Oddly my new step-father was also my high school art teacher. He taught me about the history and theory of Art. Through classroom and home discussions my own ideas about painting began to develop as I was introduced to the work of different artists. These high school lectures have helped shape my own concepts.

My technical drawing skills started at an early age. As a young child I was given drawing materials and allowed to play. As I got older I was able to teach myself different techniques from books. At sixteen I started to paint by experimenting with acrylic and water based paint on recycled cardboard. This soon progressed to oil paints and canvas as I challenged myself to improve and try new ways of working. I started to examine the techniques used by professional artists. I attended art exhibitions and met local artists. Talking with them was inspiring and motivating.

My early paintings were portraits of friends and family members or self portraits. I often worked with photographs and mirrors. I was inspired by Rembrandt’s focus on his own portrait and I learned about his technique of drawing portraits.

My current paintings are of people living around me and from my social scene. Friends are portrayed in the number of pictures. In each painting I try to reflect the individual’s nature and personality. I want to show qualities that make that person interesting to me. I paint based on what I see of person’s character as well as their physical characteristics. To create a powerful painting I have to get to know my candidate very well.

Over the past twelve months my work has focused on a theme of the male muse. Traditionally women have been the subject of paintings and with this recognition I have consciously chosen to reverse the role.

The male youths in my paintings give an air of optimism and opportunity while at the same time suggesting an uncertain future. The solitary figures are tranquil and composed. The stereotypical angry young man of youth rebellion has been replaced by a contemplative creative soul. These young men all have a direct personal relationship with me. Our friendship and individuality provides inspiration for me. Like myself, they teeter on the brink of their careers.

I’m a sociable person. It is very important for me to socialize with peers, see the world and meet new people. Through this interaction with others my mind is opened to new ideas. I believe that life itself is full of motivational interest. I find people are very interesting. Each has a unique character and personalities. Many have amazing life stories.. I’m inspired by the remarkable diversity of humankind. Every single line on their faces or mark on their body tells a story.

People, books, magazines, films and exhibitions are my sources of inspiration. I record my ideas and thoughts in a sketchbook and carry it around with me wherever I go. Keeping sketchbook is helpful in terms of developing ideas. Painting is my passion, my spirit and my devotion in life. It will always be a way for me to express and contemplate on my feelings.­­­­