ARKIV VILMANSA

A Fusion of Cartoons, Colors, and Creativity

Arkiv Vilmansa, the Indonesian artist known for his vibrant and imaginative paintings, has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique artistic style. Born with an innate passion for creativity, Arkiv’s journey as an artist began in an unexpected way.

During his kindergarten years, while his peers were busy drawing stereotypical views like rice fields, birds, and mountains, Arkiv found himself compelled to draw robots. It was in that moment, as his mother later recounted, that Arkiv discovered his instinctive talent and realized he could become an artist.

Arkiv’s artistic inclination extended beyond the realm of visual arts. He developed a profound interest in fashion, becoming a true enthusiast of style and design. But his academic pursuits led him down a different path, and he graduated as an architect. Undeterred by this diversion, Arkiv embarked on a self-taught journey to explore and expand his creative horizons.

When contemplating his creative process, Arkiv emphasizes that it is always present in his thoughts, triggered by the things he loves. His inspiration springs from various sources, including his interactions with his children and the wonders of everyday life. He begins by sketching his ideas on paper, which he later refines digitally. Consultation with his team follows, leading to a meticulous decision-making process regarding which sketches will be transformed into paintings.

Colors play a pivotal role in Arkiv’s work, reflecting his own experiences and outlook on life. For him, everyday life is an amalgamation of vibrant hues, and he embraces this perspective wholeheartedly.

Although he didn’t graduate from an academic field of study focused on color, he believes that colors possess great significance. They not only bring personal meaning to his paintings but also serve as a means to depict various subjects with technical precision.

Since young, cartoons have been a constant source of inspiration for Arkiv – filling him with happiness, fulfillment, and wonder. So, it was no surprise that he invokes so much of Mickey Mouse into his artwork. Emerging as his role model, Mickey Mouse inspired him to infuse his work with joy and cheerfulness. Cartoons have remained an integral part of his life, and he has even created his own characters such as Domma and Rabbiv, paying homage to the source of his inspiration.

Arkiv’s passion for art was further fueled by his background in architecture. Witnessing the creative journey of both architecture and cartoons, he recognized a new path that lay before him—painting. In his artistic development, graphic design played a crucial role, as he honed his skills with software like CorelDRAW during his high school years.

In recent years, Arkiv has introduced a groundbreaking process called Woundercoat. This technology, which took two years to develop, renders his paintings waterproof, enabling collectors to easily maintain their cherished pieces. With a simple brush or a damp cloth, any dirt or dust can be effortlessly removed, ensuring the longevity and preservation of his artwork.

Since 2010, Arkiv has been actively painting, and in 2011 in Philadelphia, he held his first solo show. He deliberately chose cartoons as his subject matter, recognizing their universal appeal in bringing happiness to people across the globe. His artwork has been met with tremendous enthusiasm and acceptance on an international scale.

When it comes to his artistic influences, Arkiv finds inspiration in the works of Andy Warhol and Takashi Murakami. He admires their masterful use of color and technique, which indirectly informs his own creative process and style.

In a remarkable collaboration, Arkiv was contacted by an executive advisor from Bathing Ape (BAPE) in Hong Kong in 2021. As a long-time fan of BAPE, dating back to their collaboration with Pepsi in 2001, this opportunity was a dream come true for him. BAPE’s visually striking use of monkeys and apes in a cartoonish fashion resonated deeply with Arkiv. The collaborative process spanned two years, involving meticulous preparation and numerous contributions. Eighteen of Arkiv’s significant works were exhibited in the Bape Gallery in Beijing, with another exhibition scheduled for the Bape Gallery in New York in September. The collaboration will culminate in a grand exhibition at Tokyo’s Bape Gallery in December 2023.

Excitingly, the collaboration will extend beyond the realm of paintings, as Arkiv’s artwork will be transformed into apparel. Fans can look forward to an Arkiv collaboration with BAPE, set to be released in 2024.

For the younger generation aspiring to embark on their creative journeys, Arkiv offers some invaluable advice. He encourages aspiring artists not to hesitate in creating any form of artwork. Each person’s output is unique, and the results will invariably differ. Embracing one’s individuality, pursuing personal passions, and taking immediate action are key ingredients to success.

Arkiv Vilmansa’s artistic odyssey embodies the convergence of cartoons, colors, and creativity. From his early fascination with robots in kindergarten to his present-day collaborations with renowned brands, Arkiv’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of following one’s instincts and pursuing a path that radiates joy and fulfillment.