M

How did you first get into art, and was there a moment when you knew art was what you wanted to concentrate upon in your life?

MS

I consider myself lucky as I always have my family’s support. They were the ones who got me into the art world since I was very young. When I was in grade school and trying to sell my artwork, they were the ones who purchased it as a way to show support. They also enrolled me in drawing competitions and organized my works in folders. My father’s interest in music also influenced me quite a lot. He was a cassette collector and vinyl. I like going through his collections while looking at the artwork and fonts on the cover. This habit made me quite obsessed with his Beatles collection and became a Beatlemaniac, almost a die-hard fan. I think the turning point that led me to visual art is after watching Yellow Submarine.

M

As a graduate of ITB’s “seni grafis”, how much would you say formal education influenced your work? And is a formal education essential to develop as an artist?

MS

One of the enjoyments that I get out of art school is that I was surrounded by people with similar interests in a nurturing environment that allowed me to learn, discuss, and inspire each other. However, I feel that formal education has nothing to do with the quality of your art. Nowadays, we can learn about the technical aspects from a lot of sources, from workshops to YouTube tutorials which I did the other day to learn about printing techniques and materials. Art education lets you think and express your feelings. It teaches you to be more sensitive and to know yourself better.

M

What are the advantages and drawbacks from the mediums you have worked with (hand drawing, digital drawing, linocut) and is there a medium that is more suitable to represent the concepts you would like to address?

MS

I like to experiment with different types of medium because I’m afraid I would get stuck in the same label if I don’t try new things. I’m not sure about 10 years from now, perhaps this will change (laughs). Ideally, I would like to develop an identity while experimenting with different types of medium.

M

Is it possible to make a living as an artist? How much support do you think the government is giving to the art scene?

MS

By chance, I’m also freelancing as an illustrator (doing murals, design works). I think it’s possible when you have a side job (laughs). Government support towards the art scene hasn’t been really felt. Places for artists to gather and do research are mostly independent. Public exhibitions are still encountering difficult bureaucracy.

M

What is your opinion on the recently formed ‘badan ekonomi kreatif’, and what do you think should the government’s involvement in the arts should be like ideally?

MS

I can’t really say anything since there’s no active program yet from BEK due to various reasons. If they only do programs like competitions, art events, and exhibitions, I think there won’t be much difference than the previous organization. Appreciation towards the artists would be ideal, not only in the form of awards but also long-term support for the artists’ creativity. Also, giving platform to the artists process, research, and contribute to society in art education. Artists produce art that can have an important role in the culture so don’t just perceive the results from the commercial side.

M

What’s the process like when collaborating with bands?

MS

It’s always fun. There’s no need for formalities as you can get the character of the band just by listening to the music.

M

Do you think there’s a difference being a woman in the art world? Are all participants regardless of gender are on equal footing?

MS

I don’t think so. I always see gender as a ‘chance’ because I didn’t choose to be a ‘woman’.

M

There’s almost always woman/girl in your work. Why is that? What do you think of the women’s issue in Indonesia i.e polygamy, sexual harassment?

MS

To continue my previous answer, I have a tendency to create art from personal experience since it’s more honest that way. I have opinions that can only be explained with my own feelings. Since I happen to be a ‘woman’, the figures that often come up are women. Since I’m a human, I often draw humans. If I was a frog, then I’ll play with water more often than draw. Just like a diary, the work “ME” is this woman figure.

I consider myself to be quite conservative. I believe women have certain roles according to her biology. From being a mother to being a wife that believes that a husband is the head of the household.

If we’re talking about right or wrong, it’s wrong when someone feels uncomfortable or unhappy in a situation. About polygamy, it has to be done with the agreement on two, three, or four parties, depending on the number of wives. It’s up to each family if they want to implement polygamy as their way of life. Myself, I don’t want to be in a polygamy.

Sexual harassment is obviously harmful and there are laws to regulate that.

M

Also, you draw women mostly in their underwear which is “used to cover up, protect and maintain a woman’s body, has its own values on account of its intimacy. It also apparently reflects a woman’s personality.” Quoted from ARTe Indonesia exhibition. What do you think is the personalities reflected in these drawings?

MS

Regarding my work titled “Panty Theory” at ARTe exhibition, I was telling a story about a woman going through phases from childhood, sexual maturity, and reproduction in her underwear. Often times, I would use woman’s figure in her underwear because “clothing” speak too much.

M

You were in an all-girl band correct? What’s your take on being a “girl band”? Why do you think there’s such term such as FDJ quite prevalent in labeling certain occupation?

MS

(Laughs) That’s true. My old band was called “Boys Are Toys” and with all-girl members so naturally we’re called a girl band which I don’t think was offensive to me. There are bands being labelled with girl band but has that one guy. I think it should be ‘almost girl band’. There’s also boy band label. There’s always labeling in the music industry since music also has genres. I don’t really follow the electronic music scene here.

M

Any plans on going back to music?

MS

Always haha. For me, music is for my personal satisfaction and to relax. I’m taking up piano lessons and learning ukulele from YouTube.

M

Does having kids mark any changes in your artwork?

MS

Of course. Having kids changed me not in just one event but my daily life with them from observing their activities such as coloring, reading, playing, watching films has influenced my works.

M

How much do you think your work has evolved?

MS

I’ve learnt a lot during the process and the most significant development is in my technique. One of benefits when working on a new project is the experience. As long as I’m still working, I’m hoping to get more experience to help me grow. I’m starting to sell my art in the form of merchandise such as tote bags and shirts. I’m doing more mural now which has been a dream for me.

M

You’re also involved in UGLY, a fashion brand. Can you tell us about it?

MS

Yes! UGLY is also an outlet for my passion in design. As a fashion product, me and Dila Ayu are the designers in UGLY. We do our approach in our design with art.

M

What is your inspiration(s)?

MS

Family

M

What’s your future projects?

MS

Coming up, I’m going to be involved in a group exhibition in Edwin’s Gallery and end of this month, UGLY is having a collaboration with different artists in which they are asked to respond to UGLY bag in the form of their artwork. It will be at Art Dept in Pacific Place.

Marishka Soekarna’s Blog