Laughter is the Best Medicine

Art republik takes a look at the funny side of life with Naufal Abshar.

- Nadya Wangfrom

Naufal Abshar (b. 1993) is an Indonesian artist who creates vibrant narrative paintings in response to challenging socio-political conditions that he observes at home in Indonesia. Using larger than-life characters and vivid colours, the artist sets out to make commentaries about what is awry in society through pictorial representations of laughter, and with a healthy dose of humour in its multiple forms.

Represented by Singapore-based Art Porters, Naufal’s work has been shown most recently at Art Stage Singapore 2016. The artist will be presented at the inaugural Art Stage Jakarta taking place in August, with a solo exhibition at Art Porters’ new space in Singapore in the pipeline for the coming year.

Art Republik speaks with Naufal about his works, his influences and his current projects.

How did you decide to become an artist? When I was younger, I liked to draw everywhere, all the time and on every medium. I didn’t have much interest in academic fields, and preferred to draw than to study. I decided to major in art at college, which initially shocked my parents. However, they quickly became supportive, and even introduced me to Indonesian artists such as Sunaryo, Arin Dwihartanto and Nyoman Masriadi, whom I continue to look up to in my quest to become a successful professional artist. 

How have you come up with concepts for your artworks?