Arta Wijaya
Born in 1973, Ketut, or Arta as he likes to be called, hails from Negara in the north of Bali.
His interest in art came from watching the TV as a child. He began experimenting with many forms of artistic expression from traditional wood carvings, intricate metalwork to paintings. This very quickly turned into something he not only had a deep passion for but also something he excelled at.
As such, Arta decided to enroll into the art school in Gianyar to hone his skills, majoring in painting. And the rest as they say, is history, as Arta has been practicing his craft, in the beautiful Tanah Lot area of Bali, for over 20 years now.
IN THE STUDIO
Exploration of his artistic expression has led him through the many genres of art over the years. Realism was a style he mastered early on in his career but the many challenges that painting offers from pure creativity, the use of colour and spontaneity, led him down the abstract path. The style he most enjoys.
"Abstract is fascinating. What draws me to it is that once I get an idea in my head, I can let the colours and strokes just flow. I like the fact that abstract can't be replicated, it’s my own personal imagination, unique to me, which is then open to interpretation by others. Everyone sees things through a different lense and this is what excites me."
WORK
Arta shared that one of his proudest moments was being in Jakarta and seeing a piece of his work in a music video from a well know Indonesian Band, Boomerang. A claim to fame indeed.
As for his ambition, aside from teaching his craft to his 14 year old son who is showing real promise, it's for his work to be sought after by art collectors.
Pop in and visit
You can find us on Jalan Drupadi, No. 7 or Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 79X Seminyak, Bali.
Helping local children who are less fortunate than ourselves is part of what The Yellow Brick Road Gallery is all about. Nothing makes us happier than seeing the smile on the children's faces when they have a brush and some paint to go create.