Ratih, born in 1997, is a young artist residing in Ubud who has lived her life surrounded by various artistic influences including her grandfather, who is a traditional painter. Her surroundings had led her to grow a strong fondness towards art, ever since she was in kindergarten. Her supportive family took part in her achievements as a young female artist and helped her join many group exhibitions leading to awards from various competitions. Watch her grow as she finds out her true identity as a painter in her current exhibition “Happy Ending” at Maya Sanur until January 31st
How did your journey in art start?
Since I was a little girl, I often saw my grandfather paint his artwork. He’s the one who influenced me the most. When I was in kindergarten, I participated in a coloring competition held by an art studio in Ubud and I won 1st place. Since then, almost every Sunday, I participated in painting or coloring competitions in Denpasar, and won several times. The most memorable thing was during the time of the Bali bombing and Sanur painter association held a painting contest. The winner’s painting was to be auctioned for the Bali bombing victims, and it turned out that I got the 1st place and my painting was auctioned. Fast forward, I entered junior high school with a major in modern painting, then continued to college where I took a major in art education at Undiksha, Singaraja.
What do you paint?
I present works that contain my interpretations of various stories or folktales, especially Tantri stories that I know, and are often told from generation to generation since I was little. I present and interpret each character from the storyline with palette techniques. You’ll find a bit of fauvism in my artworks since my paintings use bright contrasting colors, and colors that are not natural.
How about the paintings in the Happy Ending exhibition?
In responding to the theme of “Happy Ending” I tried to see various values in a Tantri story. Many noble values about human life symbolized by animals. For example, my painting of the Pedanda Baka character. The story of a heron disguised as a priest who pretends to be the savior of fish from the dangers of drought in a pond. The message presented in the story of Pedanda Baka is that in life, we sometimes will see human behavior that tends to justify any means including cheating and sacrificing the happiness of others in order to reach their own happiness.
Any advice for your fellow female young artists?
I would like to remind other women who choose their path in art to always keep the gentleness that was born with you. Try to apply the female characteristic while you are exploring your own. Instead of comparing your capabilities with men, you need to remember that women have certain powers that men don’t. Lastly, always be productive!
