Hari Lualhati – Circle Foundation for the Arts

What themes does your work involve?

My "SOULWORKS" serve as a direct connection to my soul and represent matters that value to me. I love the sincerity and raw beauty that a naked figure represents. These qualities inspire me to use nude figure as my subject matter. I also incorporate elements of nature and animals to the human figure to show that we are all connected. I can define my creative style as a marriage of realism, symbolism and expressionism. I prefer to paint my subject in a clear realistic style to make sure it can easily be identified by anyone (no matter if they are expert in art or not) , for me to make sure I deliver the message of my artwork clearly. Then I would paint the other parts as expressive as I can so there would be balance and to make the piece more interesting.

Describe your creative process.

I mostly use oil on canvas. The creative process starts with conceptualisation. Once I've visualized my idea, I start painting. More often than not I find myself lost in my art as I go with the flow of passion running through my paintbrush. I call it: "Love made visible through Art." Quality is one of my top priorities. I never rush when I paint and give it the time and attention it needs until it speaks to my heart, until I know that I've given it my best. Though I take into consideration the use of different techniques, I value more the feelings that I put into my works. I paint and draw with my heart.

What influences your work? What inspires you? Why do you make art?

The concept of my soulworks revolves around powerful life lessons, aha moments and realizations I've gained from life. These are those "Moments" that made huge impact in my life and have taught me to be a better version of myself. I would like to preserve and pass these lessons and inspirations to others through the best way I can and that is through my soulworks. I believe that we are all connected as human beings and that we share the same emotions. I hope that the audience could see part of themselves through my soulworks and hopefully connect to them and inspire them to have a more positive outlook in life.

What are your goals and plans as an artist in 2023?

My goal has always been the same, to be able to create quality Soulworks/artworks that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also meaningful that would hopefully inspire and connect to the heart of anyone who would look at them.

How do recent advancements in technology affect your art practice? How may recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (image generator software) affect the definition of fine art?

I always prefer to look at the brighter side of things especially when it comes to how advancements in technology affect my art practice. Part of these advancements in technology would be the use of social media. I'm grateful for it because it enables my Soulworks to connect to a wider number of people.

What is the role of the artist today?

Being able to create all my Soulworks is the most rewarding thing for me as an artist. The joy and fulfillment it gives me whenever I would finish a piece of art is comparable to the feeling of a parent giving birth to a newborn baby. Every piece is made with love. That's why I'm glad whenever someone connects with my artworks or when they get featured in a magazine or exhibited locally and abroad or receive an award. Each of my artworks has a special connection with me. They are like my babies. I believe that artists/painters have the capability to influence other people through their artworks. Art pieces serve as a great vehicle for messages/ ideas/ inspiration/ life lessons that can be pass on to different generations.

What is good art? What makes a piece of art great?

A great art for me has a perfect combination of certain elements. It should not only be aesthetically appealing but it must also carry a meaningful message. I visualise it as a well thought out art that shows the masterful skills of the artist where you can witness the disciplined principles that were followed and combined it with the freedom of expressive artistic techniques. To top it all, a great art will not be great if it was not created by the HEART. I believe that this element allows the art to connect to the viewers, making it easy for the viewers to not only understand the art but also feel the intention and message of the art.