Rudi Hendriatno

(b. 1980, Padang, Indonesia)

Rudi Hendrianto studied Fine Arts at the Indonesia Institute of Art in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He follows Indonesia’s long tradition of creating kinetic art, as seen through his intricate and beautifully-crafted Wood Engine. Though not usually discussed, kinetic art transcends traditional sculptures by inviting viewers to engage with it. Rudi’s wood engine, for example, requires someone to manually generate it. He combines objects that do not commonly go together and, as such, his kinetic sculptures are objects of fantasy. The surreal combination of these objects creates both tension and humour that challenge our perception of the everyday mundane objects.

Rudi is inspired by machinery, though his medium of choice is wood. Using the malleability of wood, Rudi creates elaborate, intricately-designed, but also spontaneous wooden sculptures. Through his work, he strives to call attention to the systems and infrastructures that surround and aid human interaction.

In his artist statement, Rudi talks about his artistic practice. He does not believe that art is about abstract concepts, but says that art is a craft. As such, his work is rooted in lived experiences and science.

Rudi is also a member of the SAKARTO Art Community, a group of artists who work in Yogyakarta. The group carries the traditional philosophy of the Minang culture where duality, poetry, and playfulness come together.