Riky R. Christian
Visual and Sequential Artist
Insta @rikyrchristian rikyrchristian@gmail.com
Based in Bandung, Indonesia
Themes
Dualities of life (life and death, peace and chaos, light and dark, etc.)
Artistic Motivation
Uses art as a way to express thoughts, emotions, and life experiences, exploring deeper questions about life, the universe, and human existence.
Goal
Hopes his art will inspire others and serve as a reflection of the complexities of life.
What does art mean to you?
Riky R. Christian: Art has been with me since childhood. It’s always been the one constant in my life that allows me to express myself and communicate with the world. For me, art is more than a creative outlet—it’s my truth, my purpose, and the reason I exist. It allows me to explore who I am and understand the world around me. Art is what makes me human. It grounds me, and I know it’s my reason for being.
What inspires you when you work?
Riky R. Christian: When I create, I don't focus much on technique. Instead, I reflect on life and the world around me—how I perceive my experiences. The real world serves as a trigger for me, but the art I create comes from my personal interpretations of that world. I often think about the dualities in life: light and dark, chaos and peace, and how they coexist. That’s where much of my inspiration comes from—translating those reflections into something visual.
How do you overcome your challenges?
Riky R. Christian: I try not to resist the challenges that arise, whether they’re creative blocks or difficult emotions. Instead, I embrace them as part of the human experience. For me, even the most negative emotions can become a source of inspiration. Rather than fighting against them, I integrate them into my creative process, allowing them to fuel my work. I believe that by doing so, I can create art that reflects not just my own struggles, but universal human challenges.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind one of your works related to life and death?
Riky R. Christian: One of my works was inspired by my reflections on life and death—the ultimate duality we all face. As human beings, death is the only absolute certainty, and that realization brings up a lot of emotions and questions. While creating this piece, I reached a point of acceptance where I understood life and death as two inseparable parts of a whole. This artwork symbolizes that journey of acceptance and the way I’ve integrated these reflections into both my art and my understanding of life.
How do you handle periods of creative block or lack of inspiration?
Riky R. Christian: During periods of creative block, I usually feel dissociated from reality. My world becomes blurred, and it’s hard to tell the difference between dreams and real life. It can be frustrating, especially when I have no inspiration or motivation. But I’ve learned to trust the process and wait for the right moment. Eventually, inspiration strikes, and I allow myself to become a medium for that creative energy. I surrender to it, without forcing anything, and let the art flow through me naturally.
Interview with Riky R. Christian: Navigating Life’s Dualities through Art