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

Hi Raffael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Well! I’m a narcist! Hahaha, I’m very happy when I talk about myself. But caused by some things I had experienced, sometimes it makes me become a quiet type, but then it could make me become a narcist too.

Paradox! maybe that’s the word that fits my head!

I started what I am doing today by studying at the Indonesian Institute of Arts. There I learned more about fine arts so that I could make works according to what I wanted, so I’m gonna tell you if my works talk a lot about myself and everything that crossed my mind. Popular culture, today’s human behavior, and some of the great things from the past are some of the subjects I often talk about, it’s like I’m capturing the things that are close to me through the painting, and also sometimes I was inspired by a music I listening to.

It’s kinda like a life that seems like a joke and as if I’m just playing around, but in fact, it’s very thought about. Some people said, my works are very emotional. I embrace every pain and happiness I’ve felt before, I mix both to be my art. It’s fun to hide behind the cuteness!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is a representation of the form of my childhood that I hated. However, I actually can’t hate it too much because indirectly my hated childhood is the fuel to become what I am today. Out of a sense of not wanting to lose from the strange feeling I felt, I spill it all onto a white canvas like I play in the playground and transform what I don’t like into what I do like! Through painting, I was able to overcome my fear. Sometimes being this age sucks, and by art I can judge everything.
I always believe if I get what I said, so I will say if becoming like this day was easy. Of course there’s so many challenges to face but with a belief and ambition, all of it can certainly be passed. Don’t ever lose hope!
The lesson I’ve learned today is, the world won’t stop even though I’m going through hard times. Then the only word I know is resurrection! Because then everything will definitely pass and it will be beautiful in time.
And lastly, what do I want the world to know about me? Dude, I’m the cool one. I prised myself long before the world prised me, that’s why I deserve it. Thank you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of course take them to the exhibitions that are going on, because the art ecosystem here is very good, there are a lot of galleries that are quite fun to visit. Then after that, I’ll take them to eat Soto! Hahaha, so many people sell Soto here, and it’s pretty good. And finally, as a finale, I will invite them to drink coffee at the coffee shop. Because I like chatting with a cup of coffee. If you still have time, Potrobayan River is one of the best places to visit or go to the beach, because I love the beach.

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?
My first shoutout would be for God. God always does good for me. Also, I would say thank you for my mother who always gave me the freedom to do whatever I want and support me as her kids. Another shoutout is for my friends who always accompany me in every situation, some collectors who always support what I do and be kind to me and of course JiaJia! She’s supporting me until now I become like these days.
Last but not least, I would say thank you to everyone who’s hurt me! Hahaha

Instagram: Raffaelarlief

Image Credits
Image credits by personal photographer

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.