Hi! I’m Ratu Adil.
I’m a Visual Artist; born and raised in Yogyakarta, the island of Java, Indonesia.
Hi! My name is Ratu Adil. I am a Visual Artist; born and raised in Yogyakarta, in the island of Java, Indonesia.
The place where I was born into an artist’s paradise, full of life and culture. I was born to a family of artists, and grew up surrounded by art. My father owns an art gallery, and both of my parents teach art. As I child, I was quite shy. I tend to observe my parents and other older artists work paint, and conversate. I didn’t even pick up the paintbrush until much later. Little that I know that my natural talent was quietly blooming within.
Beyond The Horizon
I was quite fortunate to be able to attend Gajah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, one of the best universities in Indonesia. I chose to pursue Sociology, drawn to my interests in human interactions. It is here that I grew to learn about the differences in culture and religion, which sparks an idea of using manifestation of culture as a focal point of artistic expressions.
In 2004, I moved to Duri, in Riau. It was my first time living far away from my family in Yogyakarta. My skills as a visual artist grew, as I drew from the local culture. It was here that I opened up my first art gallery, and took the opportunity to teach fine arts to young children.
In 2004, I moved to Duri, Riau, where I opened up my first art gallery, and took the opportunity to teach fine arts to young children.
Bridging Cultures Through Art
Later in 2009, I immigrated to the United States and moved to Texas. I begun to attend the Texas Academy of Figurative Art in Fort Worth to learn about master drawing and impressionism with Vern Johnson, from the Upstairs Gallery.
As I gained more confident with my skills, I started to work as a art instructor for various painting party events throughout Dallas Fort Worth. Occasionally, I’ve also done art exhibitions throughout United States and Indonesia.
Through my painting, I hope draw you into my mind, to my homeland of Indonesia, and to worlds beyond.
Like most women from Java, I tend to not speak up verbally, Rather prefer to use symbolic language to convey my thoughts and feelings. I’ve always been an observer, absorbing and learning from my surroundings. Thus my paintings are often inspired by daily life, the role of women in culture, my thoughts and my feelings.
Through my painting, I hope draw you into my mind, to my homeland of Indonesia, and perhaps to worlds beyond. One thing I realized is that after living in Texas for some time, it is evident that there is so much that we have in common together than things that make us apart. I hope that my art can become a bridge between the cultures.