About RYOL (Laksamana Ryo)
Originally from Banyuwangi in East Java, Laksamana Ryo is a recent graduate of the prestigious Institut Seni Indonesia in Yogyakarta. This young artist’s career, however, began much earlier while he was still a student, and in the past few years, his artwork has been exhibited extensively within and beyond the borders of Indonesia.
At a glance, Ryo’s paintings are charmingly whimsical; pop surrealist artworks skillfully done in an illustrative style reminiscent of the world of anime. The classical visual veneer of his artworks, almost fairy tale like in appearance, broach subjects that are in contrast quite contemporary.
Upon closer examination, the subjects this young artist’s works address are far from frivolous. Among them, are critiques of traditional patriarchic society, social behavior that is quick to judge others, as well as the fluidity of modern-day gender and gender roles, to name a few.
The level of maturity already seen in this young artist’s aesthetics, and his deep awareness of the world around him, are indications that this artist will most definitely have a bright future as a visual artist ahead of him.