Yogyakarta based Artist (b. 1993), Laksamana Ryo a.k.a Ryol has been focusing his skills in visual art, especially pop culture visual art. Originally a musician-wannabe, Ryol turned his passion into a pop culture visual artist with his childhood background as the biggest influence. Thanks to the parents and Sunday’s cartoon TV programs for being the ‘early stage’ that unconsciously had transformed him as an artist with freedom and responsibility during creating his works.

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

When I was only 7 years old, instead of composing sentences, I conveyed my feelings to my mother through drawings that I used to mail to her. Art seemed to be the most natural, intuitive language for me since that tender age.

When I was only 7 years old, instead of composing sentences, I conveyed my feelings to my mother through drawings that I used to mail to her

2. Before being a pop culture visual artist you were a musician-wannabe. What motivated your transition from musician to a visual artist?

My father, in his innocence, nudged me to study fine arts, eventually lead me towards painting. His rationale? "An artist's doodles fetch a hefty sum!" Hahaha Perhaps he had a better sense of my abilities than I did.

His rationale? "An artist's doodles fetch a hefty sum!" Hahaha Perhaps he had a better sense of my abilities than I did.

3. You talk about your inspiration with your own childhood experiences like watching TV or your parents. Could you give us more background on that? Do you think your young self will be proud of you?

Back then, television served as my primary source of entertainment, filling the void left by my family's busy schedules. Surprisingly, I now find gratitude in that, as every cartoon I watched back then contributed to shaping my visual imagination today.

I now find gratitude in that, as every cartoon I watched back then contributed to shaping my visual imagination today.

4. Why do you normally use bright colors and sparkling effects in your artworks? Is there any personal aesthetic you can tell us about?

My paintings serve as a manifestation of the expectations I've woven from my life experiences. In colors and shapes, I find solace—an escape from the mundanity of everyday existence, the confines of reality.

5. Do you represent your friends in your works, like drawing a portrait of them? Do you consider that you also make a self-portrait?

No, I don’t.

6. In the exhibition “Polah” you show a series of works highlighting the movements of the limbs, quite similar to how the Futurist artists did it in their time. Have you also been influenced by this artistic movement? If so, can you tell us about a specific artist?

The essence of my exhibition mirrors the idea of the futurism movement, albeit with a contemporary twist. I infuse the figures with the conceptual underpinnings of the visual futurism, offering a refreshing take. Alice Bailly is one of the artists who inspire me.

The essence of my exhibition mirrors the idea of the futurism movement, albeit with a contemporary twist. Alice Bailly is one of the artists who inspire me.

7. You say that you’re strongly inspired by impressionist works. Can you tell us some of your inspirations for this exhibition?

In general, what fascinates me about impressionist artists is their ability to encapsulate fleeting moments. In this exhibition, I've endeavored to capture moments of camaraderie shared among friends.

In this exhibition, I've endeavored to capture moments of camaraderie shared among friends.

8. Why did you use surreal elements such as distortions and hyperbolic cartoon movements? Do you want us to feel like we are watching TV or dreaming?

Reality bores me. My goal is to create art that serves as my means of escaping the banality of everyday life.

Reality bores me. My goal is to create art that serves as my means of escaping the banality of everyday life.

9. We see a lot of reference to the creatures of Pokemon in the works. Is there an explanation for them? Are they some kind of symbolic element?

Pokémon and certain characters serve as symbols that I choose for the rampant consumerism of popular products.

10. As a pop artist you imitate popular images such as anime and cartoon figures from your childhood. Do you have any intention for this choice of theme? Do you have any doubt about plagiarism in your art when you use these popular characters?

When I depict cartoon characters, I don't merely replicate them; I imbue them with additional elements, subtly altering their essence while maintaining their familiarity. What I seek from these characters is not their form but their image—a conduit for conveying deeper meanings. Utilizing popular characters helps this process, allowing me to tap into the cultural landscape where I grew up.

Utilizing popular characters helps this process, allowing me to tap into the cultural landscape where I grew up.

11. What do the bright eyes of the characters represent? Do they have a particular meaning?

To me, they serve as a portrait of my generation—with imaginative realm heavily influenced by the cartoons and anime.

12. What kind of trace do you want to leave in art history? Do you have any long-term ideas?

My aspiration is to be recognized as an artist who authentically reflects the spirit of my generation during my lifetime.