About Harijadi
Harijadi was born in Magetan, East Java. He was born and educated there until the age of 26, at which time he moved to Bali and have since called Bali home. His works are masterpieces of detail, a study of shadows and light. Employing only black ink with a very fine point to create wonderful, soulful pieces of the many quiet places in his locale.
From a very young age Harijadi was always interested in mechanics. Which is why he undertook the tertiary studies of Mechanical Engineering.
However, one of the biggest turning points in his life was the failure to graduate from Mechanical Engineering. From this experience, he has tangible regrets. He is aware of the reason for this failure as that being of negative social influences. Nontheless, it was this failure to establish an engineering career that led him to his art.
Background
The youngest of five brothers and sisters, Harijadi recounts a childhood tinged with the protection and indulgence of his older siblings. He is honest about the privileges of being the youngest, a position which he probably enjoyed a little too much. He had the support from his siblings from youth well into adulthood.
A support that directly made possible his education and ongoing studies. He is quite self deprecating in recollecting just how fortunate his situation was in comparison to many of his peers. He did not struggle financially and was never at the mercy of economical needs in the pursuit of his art.
Change of Direction
After failing to graduate, Harijadi was given the opportunity to study with Munadi, a contemporary modernist painter well established, who was a student of Abdullah. His brother introduced him to Munadi and encouraged him to pursue this new direction. Harijadi then left Java and moved to Bali at this time. He had a great relationship with his teacher. With 18 other students, he learned directly in the artist studio.
Early Studies in Art
Harijadi studied under Munadi. Starting from the basics, line, texture, shape, balance, rhythm etc, elements and principles of art. It seems good timing for Harijadi to come to Bali. Because his art met with much success. The Balinese art scene at that time was flourishing. Upon his debut exhibition, his works had always sold out.
Early Success and Family
He established an open ended contract with Andi Gallery in Jakarta. This relationship lasted approximately 8 years. All his works were sold through this gallery and he was able to focus on his work.
In 1998 at 35 years of age, he met his wife in Bali Ludvi from Tulung Agung in East Java. They have 3 children, 2 boys and one girl. Lintang, Maya and Jalu. Ludvi died suddenly in January 2019. With no existing medical conditions, her passing was a sudden shock for the Harijadi family.
Methodology
Harijadi has a very pragmatic approach to his art.He simply paints his environment. What is in his surroundings he transfers to paper and as he has chosen to work with black and white, he simply chooses locations with good light and contrast.
He has a keen eye that can see how the lighting of a particular location will transfer into a good composition. He works with fine point drawing pens, with pigment based inks (archival standard) and renders his landscapes with meticulous detail.
One of the things he enjoys the most, is the satisfaction of seeing the landscape take shape and come together upon completion. A small drawing will take up to 2 to 3 weeks work, whilst a full size canvas will take up to 2 months.
Upcoming Projects
In joining with Sawidji Artist Collective, Harijadi is beginning a new chapter. Overcoming personal and economical challenges of the last couple of years, Sawidji is very happy to have Harijadi as one of our own. We look forward to exciting collaborations together.
I have been a bit stuck, in my work and things have been challenging. Upon meeting Dewi, I thought, perhaps things can change. In joining Sawidji, perhaps we can shine again.
Harijadi
