Herru Yoga (b. 1989, Batusangkar, Indonesia), pursued his passion and dedication for the arts through an unconventional route. Unlike his peers, he decided to leave the Indonesian Institute of Art, Yogyakarta, in 2008 to pursue French literature, graduating from Département de la Langue Français in 2014. His love for literature and culture, in turn, nourishes the contextual depth of his artworks.

Yoga juxtaposes two historical painting techniques: the Baroque era’s mastery of chiaroscuro and the gestural handling of paint indebted to Abstract Expressionism. Yoga’s narrative works tend to raise the theme of history, humanity, current issues, identities and world figures, while at the same time attempt to build the epic and colossal energy missing from many contemporary art oeuvres.

Yoga juxtaposes two historical painting techniques: the Baroque era’s mastery of chiaroscuro and the gestural handling of paint indebted to Abstract Expressionism.

1. Do you consider art to be an important part of your life? If yes, why?

Yes, art is dedication. I am very sure that this is my identity, the decision to become an artist was not just because I liked art, but it came from self-awareness.

2. Do you have a previous creative process before painting a new artwork? What is your approach when working on a new work?

Generally I start from one phrase, for example "On the Roads" I start looking for a pose on the internet, books or social media then create a simple layout. I rarely make sketches because for me it wastes time and makes me miss the moment of playing with the canvas. Sometimes just let the chaos happen at a certain moment, the chaos will make its way.

Sometimes just let the chaos happen at a certain moment, the chaos will make its way. –Herru Yoga.

3. Why did you decide to return to making art after studying French literature?

I didn't return, but I sharpened and enriched my vocabulary. very useful for what I want to narrate in my art. For example the French artist Leon Bonnat, he succeeded in transferring biblical values into his work. because of knowledge and understanding of literature.

4. How do you incorporate your knowledge of French literature into your artwork? Could you describe how this aspect influences your work?

No, this is not the point. I do not adopt French literature into my work. However, literature is a guide for how to speak in fine arts to make it more communicative and autonomous.

Literature is a guide for how to speak in fine arts to make it more communicative and autonomous. –Herru Yoga

5. Your paintings exhibit influences from the chiaroscuro of the Baroque era and the gestural handling of Abstract Expressionism. Are there any influential artists from these two distinct artistic fields who have inspired you? What specifically impresses you about them?

At the beginning and before that, I first came into contact with the Impressionist (Claude Monet), this was the starting point, how he combines the impression of an object and lighting, chiaroscuro are two different things. where chiaroscuro really decides between the background and the object. while the baroque is a domino effect of literature, I have to say it because this is the realm of my artistic thinking, So baroque or chiaroscuro is a tool for the creative process. However impressionism is more appropriate for me.

Explanation above, now can we imagine that it is collided with expressionism, figurative, gestural handling. Let's say Willem de Kooning how he plays abstract expressionist on figures, but i'm doing more and still leave the identity value.

6. As mentioned earlier, you fuse these two historical painting techniques in your artworks. Is there a specific reason for this? Are you attempting to tell a particular narrative by combining these techniques?

Yes, of course, I hope to continue the values of art and try to generate them.

7. Your artworks evoke the style of artist Francis Bacon. Has he been a source of inspiration for you? Have you had the opportunity to view any of his works in person?

No. francis bacon just about how to see figures and relate to cubism. I'm not saying Francis Bacon was the original idea. but yes, I was a little inspired by the composition and approach to flesh color

I'm not saying Francis Bacon was the original idea. but yes, I was a little inspired by the composition and approach to flesh color. –Herru Yoga

8. The human figures are prominent in your artwork. Are they people you know personally, or have you encountered them elsewhere? Would you like to meet these people in real life?

Many of them come from literature, the internet, books and the people around my life.

9. Many of the depicted figures in your paintings appear distorted and blend into the background. Does this relate to the themes of identity and history? Could you elaborate on how you express these themes in your work?

Of course, the object must be fused with the background. One thing I emphasize is the background is everything, while objects are just fillers in the universe. if there is no universe, then there is no content. That means nothing.

The object must be fused with the background. One thing I emphasize is the background is everything, while objects are just fillers in the universe. if there is no universe, then there is no content. –Herru Yoga.

10. Is the art piece titled "Artist Scene" a self-portrait, or are you representing another individual? What theme are you trying to tell with this artwork?

No, this poses is common among the artist.

11. Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you plan to continue creating paintings?

In the history of fine arts genealogy