Meet Mikhael Yesyurun | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikhael Yesyurun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikhael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I chose the field of art and became an artist because this is my passion, like other friends, I have loved drawing since I was a child. Before I really got involved in art major and graduated in 2023, I studied at a vocational high school majoring in electronics. I once threw away my dream of becoming an artist, but that kept me anxious until i finally brace my self to start my fine art journey and becoming an artist . Thank God, for giving me guidance on all of that and I will fight for this choice until any time. Family, friends, and everyone who contributes is also the reason I continue to live through all this.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in a family of a different religion and was very tolerant as a Javanese. this prompted me to create characters with striped faces and hybrid figures as a symbol of identity crisis over the mixing of cultures. From here, i sees from a positive perspective how a life that goes hand in hand and forms a personality, all of which is poured into my painting like a stage play, my hybrid characters play a role according to the problem that will be told, whatever that is. I actually wants to convey positive things to my audience; my work is a warning to myself and a reminder, and i hopes that it can inspire those who are experiencing problems like mine too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Bantul, southern Yogyakarta. There are many beaches, mountains, tourist attractions, traditional Yogyakarta food here. Usually I go to the beach or lake and areas with lots of trees to fill up my energy. If my friend come here,I will take them drive from the highest place in Yogyakarta which is Mount Merapi to the lowest place, the beaches in Yogyakarta. One of my fav beach is Parang Tritis and the beaches in the Gunung Kidul area. The views there are spectacular. We can visit the traditional market here or the popular food stalls in Yogyakarta. If you guys are curious, come here quickly I’ll tell you another secret place.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I will dedicate my biggest shoutout to my late mother, my father and my family and friends who always helped and supported me when I was in trouble. Then, i’ll give my self a little credit too, to remind me all of the struggle to get this point. Thank you for not giving up.

Instagram: @Mikhael.yesyurun