ROBY DWI ANTONO
b. 1990, IndonesiaRoby Dwi Antono is an Indonesian contemporary artist whose surreal, dreamlike paintings and sculptures have received international attention. He is known for his wide-eyed children, mythological creatures, and fusion of classical Renaissance imagery, and Surrealism with contemporary pop culture. His work has been exhibited globally, including at Art Basel Hong Kong, with Almine Rech in London, and at the Yogyakarta Biennale.
Early Years
Born in Semarang, Central Java in 1990, Roby Dwi Antono grew up surrounded by the region's rich cultural traditions. He is largely self-taught, with a background in graphic design, and began his career as a print technician and illustrator before turning to art full time. Antono moved to Yogyakarta, Indonesia's cultural capital, where he lives and works today, drawing inspiration from the city's vibrant art scene and Javanese heritage. His early artistic influences include manga, cartoons, and the works of his father, a blacksmith, with whom he would sketch using charcoal outside the family studio.
Roby Dwi Antono Artworks
Antono's art is defined by a unique blend of Pop Surrealism, Renaissance painting, and contemporary Asian visual culture. He creates paintings, sculptures, and prints that explore themes of childhood, memory, heroism, and the contradictions of the human experience.
Pop Surrealist Beginnings
Antono's early works established his signature style: starry-eyed children, fantastical animals, and hybrid creatures rendered with smooth, luminous brushwork and vivid colour. Referencing artists like Mark Ryden and Yoshitomo Nara, Antono draws on personal memories, epic poetry, and pop culture to create scenes that are both whimsical and unsettling.
'Autopsy of Mystery' and Narrative Series
A key development in Antono's practice is the series 'Autopsy of Mystery', where he explores the interconnectedness of the human body and the harmony of its internal rhythms. His paintings often juxtapose innocence with macabre humour, as seen in works like Joy & Sorrow (2019), which features an innocent child holding a severed animal head.
'TUK'
Antono's exhibitions, such as TUK at Almine Rech, London (2024), reflected a shift towards more expressive brushwork and autobiographical themes. Inspired by fatherhood and the birth of his daughter, these works draw on memories of his childhood in Ambarawa and explore the metaphor of the 'Tuk'—a spring or source of nourishment—as a symbol for creativity and growth.
Exhibitions
Roby Dwi Antono has been the subject of both solo exhibitions and group exhibitions. Below is a selection of important exhibitions.
Solo Exhibitions
- TUK, Almine Rech, London, 2024
- That Peculiar, Almine Rech, Brussels, 2023
- Samantha, Anat Ebgi, Los Angeles, 2022
- Lucid Fragments, Srisasanti Syndicate, Yogyakarta, 2021
- Southern Monster, Northern Child, Galerie Stephanie, Manila, 2016
Group Exhibitions
- Art Basel Hong Kong, 2021
- Yogyakarta Biennale, Indonesia
- Nanzuka Underground, Tokyo
- Gallery Droste, Paris
FAQs
Where can I see Roby Dwi Antono's work?
Antono's artworks are exhibited internationally at leading contemporary art galleries, including Almine Rech in London, Brussels, and Paris, as well as at art fairs such as Art Basel Hong Kong. In Indonesia, his work has been shown at Srisasanti Syndicate in Yogyakarta and the Yogyakarta Biennale.
What is Roby Dwi Antono best known for?
He is best known for his Pop Surrealist paintings and sculptures featuring wide-eyed children, mythological creatures, and pop culture icons, blending classical and contemporary influences.
Has Roby Dwi Antono received any major awards?
While not formally awarded by institutions, Antono's works have achieved significant auction results and are highly sought after by collectors internationally.
What are some key themes in Roby Dwi Antono's art?
Antono's art explores childhood memories, heroism, trauma, and the contradictions of innocence and experience, often with a blend of humour and melancholy.
Are there any interesting facts about Roby Dwi Antono?
Antono is self-taught, began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator, and draws inspiration from manga, poetry, and his Javanese heritage. He sees his art as a source of nourishment and reflection, much like the 'Tuk' spring of his childhood.
How do you pronounce Roby Dwi Antono's name?
Roby Dwi Antono is pronounced 'ROH-bee DWEE an-TOH-noh'.
Ocula | 2025
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