Studio journal
At the Foot of the Borobudur (Cipto Purnomo)
After visiting the magnificent Borobudur Temple, I had the pleasure of meeting Indonesian painter Cipto Purnomo in his studio in Wanurejo, just minutes away from one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. We spent hours talking about painting, Indonesia, artistic identity and the challenges of remaining authentic as an artist. It was one of those conversations that reminds you that art is as much about people as it is about the work itself. Cipto’s paintings are deeply rooted in his surroundings, where Javanese culture, mythology and contemporary life naturally converge.
Wanurejo (Yoyakarta), 18 January 2024
There are studio visits that stay with you long after you leave. My visit to Cipto Purnomo’s studio was one of them.
Only a short distance from Borobudur, surrounded by the landscape and history that have shaped Central Java for centuries, Cipto has created a place where tradition and contemporary painting coexist effortlessly. His work reflects the visual language of Indonesia while remaining unmistakably personal, combining mythology, symbolism and everyday life into compelling narratives.
Our conversation moved naturally between painting techniques, artistic influences, Indonesian culture and the realities of living as a contemporary artist. These exchanges are among the most valuable experiences of my travels. They are not lessons to be learned, but perspectives to be shared.
Meeting artists in their own studios offers something no museum can provide. You see the unfinished canvases, the brushes, the experiments, the doubts and the excitement that exist before a painting enters the world. It is there that an artist’s true voice can often be heard most clearly.
Thank you, Cipto, for your generosity, your openness and an inspiring afternoon. I look forward to following your artistic journey.
