Women artists set out to make their mark

Bambang Asrini Widjanarko, Contributor/Jakarta

Beyond the glamorous openings of art exhibitions, female artists rarely get the credit they deserve for taking a stand and doing what they want in life.

While exhibitions come and go, few focus on women artists, who remain a rarity in the arts community.

Some women, however, are glad that they went against convention to express themselves through their art.

Astari Rasjid, now one of the country's most famous painters, with works on gender-related themes, gave up fashion design to explore her artistic interests.

"Being a painter does not mean you become a superwoman, but you have to do it completely and seriously," she said.

Becoming a painter was a tough choice to make for her, because she knew of the changes it would bring.

Her previous experience in art events, including as a project officer, helped.

"When painting, I try to bring the principal themes in my life, such as those criticizing and questioning the domination of the patriarchal culture, like the role of women in Javanese culture," said Astari, who studied fine art at the Royal College of Art in London and the University of Minnesota.

"Javanese women should change and cannot be restrained anymore by unfavorable old traditional values."

But creating artwork requires an investment of time.

"I have to read literature about arts as well as conducting research related to traditional concepts by collecting facts for samples. Then, I have to make drafts with sketches and drawing... before finally entering my studio in Bali to start painting."

Astari said her art provided a good living, with collectors willing to pay huge amounts for the often cryptically themed works.

"However, I respect the appreciation and one thing that touches me most (in becoming a painter) is the satisfaction I get out of it," Astari said.

Female sculptor Iriantine Karnaya, one of the founders of the Indonesian Sculptors Association, never imagined that she would be an artist one day.

Curiosity that led her to become a sculptor.

"And the more challenges and opportunities I found, the more comfortable I felt. It is something that I must settle in my life."

She has also tackled her fair share of problems, from the difficulties of getting materials to create sculptures as well as the public's low opinion of the field

But she perseveres. One of her works, exhibited in Calcutta, won a World Health Organization award for symbolizing love and affection of a mother and a child. She also won a Best Work Award for Gula dan Semut (Ant and Sugar), made of bronze in 1995, during the Trienalle II at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta.

Iriantine, who is also a lecturer at the Jakarta Arts Institute, wants to show that an artist can be a professional, and that it is not a field to be feared.

"I don't want to be a hypocrite by saying that I do this merely based on idealism. I need money. In this way, our life becomes a balanced one."

More women artists -- mostly younger ones with education and talent -- are entering the fine arts scene, each one with their own characteristics.

Vonny Pekerti, 33, found that being a painter was a good profession, but she still saw that many of her peers only painted to meet the market demand or on order from collectors.

It's a trend that she said would eventually lead to stagnation of art development.

"We always find the same artists in the market. In the West, people appreciate modern and contemporary paintings because they are able to interpret the painting not only physically, but also with their imagination, life philosophy and daily social life."

She blamed the trend on poor education and the powerful influence of galleries, collectors, curators and a few critics. She said that art appreciation should start early, such as with school programs to regularly visit galleries and museums.

Most curators and critics are weak and not open minded, while artists should be given more freedom in the choices they make, she said.

"In New York, collectors can buy the works of young painters from any university. Noncollectors can buy the works of beginners and people support this development. A creation can only be appreciated for its spirit and originality," said Vonny, who also continues in her field of interior design.

Artist Shawnee Puti is proud of her choice of profession.

"The main reason why I decided to be an artist is that I want to be able to freely express myself, to be able to work by myself without any restrictions or deadline...," said the 28-year-old graduate of the Art Student League of New York.

Shawnee's interest in painting started when she was very young, thanks to her art collector grandfather and ikebana artist grandmother.

Her love for art grew when she went to the U.S. to visit museums. It was there that she decided to completely dedicate her life to the world of art.

"I grew up in a totally nonrepressive climate so I could freely choose my life path. And of course, with faith, I chose to be a painter."

Her style, abstract-expressionism, suits her soul and spirit.

"I love the style because of its way in touching your inner soul deep inside...." said the artist.

She has already had several solo exhibitions, but it's the kind words of strangers about her works that bring her the most pride.