A Conversation with Iabadiou Piko, participant in Art Dubai 2018’s Inaugural "Residents" program, by James Scarborough

March 25, 2018

Iabadiou Piko (Piko Sugianto) was born in 1984 in Prabumulih, South Sumatera, Indonesia. In 2005, he graduated from the Academic Design of Vision Yogyakarta Department (ADV) with a major in Diploma of Art Photography Design. He is a self-taught painter who now lives and works in Yogyakarta. He participated in Art Dubai 2018’s inaugural Residents program.

New to Art Dubai programming, Residents 2018 invited 11 international artists to spend 4 to 8 weeks in a UAE artist residency program. The work produced will be on display for the duration of the fair. The program is meant to encourage artistic dialogue between artists and cultural exchange between local and international communities and institutions.

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JS: Your work has been described as a “visual diary.” Visually, then, what most caught your eye when you arrived in Dubai?

IP: As a visual diary, I gather what I see, symbols and connections between people and their environment. When I got to Dubai, what first caught my eye is the most prominent building in the city.

During my residency in Abu Dhabi at Ware House 421, what caught my eye is the mosque architecture, daily activities, School buses, cultural relic , buildings, food, and locals.

JS: Looking at your prior work, I see evidence of Jean Dubuffet and Basquiat. Were they conscious influences? Who else?

IP: I was first inspired by Pablo Picasso and Jean Michael Basquiat, their work sparked my interest to start painting.

Others include, Jean Dubuffet, Twombly, Antoni Tapies, Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer, Cobra, A.R Penck, etc.

JS: Living in Indonesia, how were you first exposed to art?

IP: We have a growing art community in Yogyakarta where I got to meet and interact with many artists.

JS: You studied photography but were self-taught as a painter. What did painting offer you that photography wouldn’t, or couldn’t?

IP: My feelings and what I want to express can be delivered freely and quickly with painting.

JS: How did you decide to become an artist?

IP: When I was studying at university in 2002-2005, I often went to the library to look at photography books, as it was what I studied at the time. My interest soon shifted towards art books. It all started with the first time I saw a book on Pablo Picasso’s work, at that moment I said to myself, I can paint.

JS: How were you first exposed to art?

IP: I was first exposed to art through art books I found in the Library at my university.

JS: How, then, did you teach yourself the materials and processes of painting?

IP: I practiced every day. I also learned through sharing and talking with friends who are also painters, and of course from the Art Community in Yogyakarta.

After that I always tried to develop and experiment with new materials in my work

JS: First thoughts on learning you were going to Dubai?

IP: Upon finding out I was coming to the UAE, I was excited and curious to explore the city, architecture, culture, local people, food, and environment.

JS: First impressions or, better yet, biggest surprise, once you got there?

IP: The big buildings and streets, and the difference in the culture from where I come from.

JS: Lasting impression, as you’re about to leave?

IP: I had a wonderful time working and presenting my work in the UAE. What I take back home with me is a collection of new symbols, memories and experiences.

JS: How does the work you made here reflect your experience in the UAE? Did it change or otherwise impact what went before?

IP: My work here was highly inspired by the new culture and environment I was experiencing for the first time. I used many symbols in my work that are from the region and that represent the UAE.

JS: What’s next?

IP: We have another show planned for Berlin soon and perhaps a residency in Berlin too. And, of course, other upcoming exhibitions in Indonesia.

Resident work