RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS WITH ~ ROBY DWI ANTONO BY PABLO G. VILLAZAN

In today’s session of “Rapid Fire Questions”, Indonesian surrealist painter Roby Dwi Antono shares his Rapid Fire Answers with our good friend, Pablo G. Villazan. Roby’s beautiful art style is a mix of renaissance & contemporary that creates this world leaving us in a mind boggling state. The stimulating experience will have you seeking for more. - League

So, Ready! Set! Gooooooo!

Who is Roby Dwi Antono? 

Roby Dwi Antono is a visual artist who lives and works in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He feels more comfortable to stay indoors to spend his days painting or drawing. He Prefers a quiet atmosphere rather than big crowds. He occasionally go out to meet some friends and goes to enjoy nature.

Did you always want to be an artist? 

No. When I was a child, I really wanted to be a professional soccer player. My friends and I played almost every day. I have loved drawing since I was a child, but I didn’t understand what an artist was. I Just really enjoy what I was doing. Doodling the walls of the house until it's full. Luckily, my parents didn't scold me for what I did lol.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Inspiration comes from many things. The things that happen every day, what I see, hear, and feel take a large portion in inspiring me to always create work.

Which artists have the greatest influence on your work? 

There are many names of artists who have quite an influence on my work, some of which are Yoshitomo Nara, Mark Ryden, Joyce Pensato and Izumi Kato.

What is your process to create your work? 

The process of my work (painting) begins with rough scratches in my small sketchbook. From the rough sketch, I then perfect it on larger paper or sometimes using digital media (photoshop or procreate). After the sketch is finished, I move it into the canvas and then continue the coloring.

Is there something you can’t live without in your studio? 

Light

What is the meaning behind your artwork? 

Uncertainty is a theme that I have talked about several times in my work. It is very close to life itself. We are human beings who will never know anything for sure, we can't always know. I think humans are creatures full of anxiety. Memories are the accumulations of past human experiences that have always been the root of present and future events. Even the smallest action we take today can play a big role in our lives in the future. Time will continue to pass. Humans are always faced with worries and fears of a future that is always a mystery.

Imagine that your paintings could talk, what would they say about you? 

Maybe they will ask: 'Why did you create me?'

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

'Stay young!'

Do you find the social channel’s influence Positive or Negative?  

I always try to use social networks in a positive way, I take and accept all the positive sides and leave the negative.

Describe in 3 words which social channels affect you as an artist.  

Inspiration, references, opportunities

What is your dream project?

I have not thought about that. Maybe the project in the museum will be very great.