Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro introduces the ‘Urban Figure’ room which is the result of a collaboration with 10 renowned artists in Indonesia. By utilizing the empty walls in our selected rooms, we given the artists unlimited space to express their creativity and create stunning mural artworks. This innovation aims to appreciate art while providing a unique art staycation (Urban Figure) experience for guests and the citizens of Jogja.

This project involves ten talented mural artists from Yogyakarta, Solo, and surrounding areas, including Farhan Siki, Anagard, Ismu Ismoyo, Neotrasher, Bigbang K20, Wisnu Aji, Andril Wak Yong, Young Surakarta, Ddienopop, and Wimbo Praharso. Curious about the works of these amazing artists in the ‘Urban Figure’ project? Then let’s discover together the meaning of each mural painting as well as the cool figure behind the works!

10 ‘Urban Figure’ art staycation artists and works at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro:

1. Farhan Siki

“Where is the Love? #1”

“Do not seek for love (Where is the Love?) because love truly resides within us. Then why doesn’t it spread to our fellow human beings? To the universe? That’s what we are really looking for the answer to in every action we take.”

Farhan Siki is known as a street artist and activist born in 1971 who works intensively on issues facing urban communities. In his artistic works, he reflects on 21st Century Pop Culture, exploring textual elements, collecting logos, brands and symbols of mass culture, to be processed on canvas, and filling them with hyperbolic and parodic attributes. Farhan Siki’s artwork can be found in room number 906 Superior Studio, Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

2. Anagard

“Mythological Modern Space”

“A brief meaning of the Kuda Lumping this work. Jathilan / Kuda Lumping has the meaning of strength, courage, unyielding, and Jathilan dance contains philosophical symbolic value to human life. This symbolism is evident in every stage of the dance. Initially, the Jathilan dancers move gently, then they become lively and interact with the handlers through objects, sounds around them, and ultimately, the dancers become uncontrollable when possessed by spirits. Here lies the religious philosophy of humans who possess reason throughout their lives, yet often lose control of their thoughts. The inner state of human thought is like an aurora on a planet. The aurora that appears depends on the time and events surrounding its location, just like humans. As products of consumerist industrial society, modern humans leap to consume spaces of grandeur to find inner peace, where space and time have become an assimilation of our human values.”

Anagard is an accomplished artist from Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI). Anagard’s artwork focuses on exploring current social issues through representations of Javanese culture, history and tradition. His works have won many awards, such as UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the year, Singapore Winner (2019) Stencil Art Prize, Tortugas gallery, Sydney, Australia (2019), UOB art Prize, National Museum, Jakarta, Indonesia (2013), and many more. Anagaard’s work can be spotted in room 606 Superior Studio, Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

3. Ismu Ismoyo

“Memory”

“When the past becomes a reminder and a bedtime story. There are many signs emerge as traces or references afterward. The world changes so quickly; it is necessary to document experiences and add different colors to make them more interesting.”

Ismu Ismoyo began street art in 2000. He used to work by transferring paper drawings to street walls. He produces artworks that address social, political, cultural and environmental issues. To see Ismu Ismoyo’s artworks, you can book room number 508 with Superior Studio type at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

4. Neotrasher

“TROPICAL VIBES”

This painting is a depiction of Neotrasher’s Urban Figure art staycation, where tropical flora and fauna coexist to create a balanced ecosystem with an eye-catching color blend.

Neotrasher was born and raised in Yogyakarta. He is coming from an artistic family background. Graffiti is one of his artistic hobbies that he has pursued since attending the Yogyakarta High School of Fine Arts (SMSR) from 2006 to 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta from 2009 to 2017. You can see his painting in room 710, Superior Studio type, at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

5. Bigbang K.20

“INFINITY”

“A state of being oriented towards achieving tranquility, happiness, and peace in their way of life by merging their soul and body with the universe through meditation and limitless spaces.”

BigBang K.20, whose real name is R. Bonar Diat Senan Putro, was born in Surakarta on Monday, November 22, 1982. He pursued his education at the Indonesian Institute of Arts (STSI) in 2003, majoring in Fine Arts with a focus on pure art. His work is painted on the wall of room 808, a Superior Studio at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

6. Wisnu Aji

“The Winner”

“Yogyakarta people’s enthusiasm for the game of dara kolong (pigeon collage) is inspiring this work, where pigeons compete in speed to enter a space measuring approximately 6×6 meters. The male pigeon is released from a distance (as the starting point), while the female pigeons are placed in the collar to trigger the male pigeons to fly at high speed into the collar. The male pigeon that enters the space the fastest and most accurately is the winner. This implies the value of sportsmanship, strength, discipline and endurance. Thus, we can take the essence that often life forces us to race, but the accuracy of all actions is the key to victory.”

Wisnu Aji Kumara was born in Praya, Central Lombok, September 3, 1991. Currently living in Yogyakarta, since 2009 he has moved and started making art in Yogyakarta. He completed his final education in the Postgraduate art creation program at ISI Yogyakarta. In the beginning, he focused on two-dimensional works such as paintings, but as his artistic journey progressed and his exploratory needs grew, he began to work on three-dimensional works in the form of installations. The themes he often explores are closely related to the local traditions of his community. He neatly stores one of his beautiful paintings in room number 506 Superior Studio type, Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

7. Adril Wak Yong

“PARTY”

This distinctive work by Adril is painted on the wall of the Novotel, measuring 3.9 x 3.1 m, titled “Party,” which means “Pesta” in Indonesian. It features an intriguing artistic touch that is enjoyable to experience in your Urban Figure art staycation room.

Adril Wak Yong was born in Stabat, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, on April 1, 1989. In early 2016, he had the opportunity to work and settle in Tabanan, Bali, until the end of 2016. He moved to Kp. Mrisen, Panggungharjo Village, Sewon, Bantul, Yogyakarta, where he currently resides and works. He is displaying his mural on the wall of room 608, a Superior Studio at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

8. Young Surakarta

“Flower on Wall”

“Inspired by a flower plant that decorates urban concrete buildings. There are several visual elements that I believe can represent the optimism that I felt while working on this mural project. Where every journey must have processes that need to be overcome. Just like plants that continuously grow and provide benefits to other living beings, and birds that fly freely with their trained wings. In every mural, I always incorporate illustrations of leaves and branches reaching upwards towards the sun. This also reminds me of the Creator above. And the female figure symbolizes Mother Earth, nurturing the surrounding nature. This small illustration inspires me to always be a free spirit and to be a human being who is beneficial to others.”

Young Surakarta is the name of a mural artist from Surakarta, his real name is Elham Nur Fatoni. He has been actively producing murals since 2012. Through his work, he often conveys social critism related to various issues, especially those concerning the younger generation and their dependence on social media. f you are curious about the original form of his painting, you can find it in room 908, a Superior Studio at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

9. Ddienopop

“Flower Dance in a Diversity of Colors”

“Flower Dance in a Diversity of Colors unites in the harmony of flowers of various colors, representing the beauty of nature and the inner strength of each individual. This mural presents the charm and strength of character that colors life, creating a visual harmony that reflects the eternal beauty of the landscape of life.”

Ddienopop or Syaifuddin Almadino was born in Pasuruan, East Java on December 14, 1996. He grew up and works in Yogyakarta, a visual artist who inscribes his works on walls, canvases or other forms of flat media. Ddienopop has been actively involved in the world of art/street art since 2014 and joined the local community until now. He immortalized one of his works on the wall of room number 808 type Superior Studio, Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

10. Wimbo Paraharso

“Fond Memories”

“Fond memories have a great contribution in stimulating positive emotions and also play a role in the process of continuous character refinement.”

Wimbo Praharso is an artist based in Yogyakarta with a background in graphic design. He creates street art using stencil techniques, produces collages, and designs posters. His latest project involves creating stories and characters for “Naga Adore,” a children’s book that is releasing soon. Wimbo Praharso displaying his work “Fond Memories” on the wall of room 712, a superior studio at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

With the launch of the ‘Urban Figure’ project at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro, guests not only enjoy a comfortable stay but also have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of art presented by talented artists. Each mural is not just a decoration, but it also carries deep meanings that reflect culture, life, and hope. Therefore, if you are looking for a unique Urban Figure art staycation experience in Yogyakarta, don’t miss the chance to stay in a hotel room that collaborates with local artists and immerse yourself in the beauty of art intertwined with the comfort of our hotel.