Anton Papo

Artisan Organization: Anton Papo

Country: Bali and Java

"I'm Antonius Kristiadi, and people call me Anton Papo. I was born in Java in 1970.

"My parents wanted me to study medicine to have a better future, but I was more interested in drawing and art. That's where my spirit is. However, my parents said an artist didn't have a clear future. I ran away to Bali a few months after starting medical school in Java.

"I found Bali to be culturally rich, full of beautiful scenery and art. I decided to study art in Bali but, a few days after classes started, my parents asked me to return. They agreed I could study graphic art, but wanted me to study in Yogjakarta so I wouldn't be so far away from them.

"After receiving a degree in art, I worked for a company making caricatures, comics and illustrations. I met many people who really enjoy art like I do, including artists who inspired me to become a painter.

"I remembered how inspiring Bali is and how being there could help develop my talent. Since it is a tourism area, there was also a better possibility to sell my works. I decided to move to Bali and focus on painting and participating in exhibitions.

"I'm married to a woman from Jakarta and we have three children. Having children has given me extra incentive to give them a better future. I combine acrylic, pencil and ink on canvas with a contemporary style and wordplay. I've created my won style, which has evolved from caricatures, abstracts and deforming objects. While I sell my paintings, I'm very idealistic and don't seek to impress people or paint for commercial purposes.""