FX Harsono: In the Studio

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR NEW STUDIO?

FXH/ My new studio in Yogyakarta is a workshop space but I want it to be comfortable at the same time. Aside from using the studio to create and store my works, I’m also planning to make a living space for myself in the near future.

My studio is also designed to be a meeting space for discussions with other artists and people within the art community. It is also a place to meet for an informal chat or to watch a movie.

YOU’RE ALSO BASED IN JAKARTA, WHY CHOOSE JOGJAKARTA AS YOUR MAIN STUDIO LOCATION?

FXH/ Recently, I’ve found it unpleasant to work in Jakarta. It is much more costly to find a spacious place to work for a reasonable cost. Another reason is that it is not as easy to find a reliable Studio Manager or Assistant. Cost aside, time is also an issue and there is a sense that I’m always running out of time when travelling through Jakarta’s notorious traffic.

YOUR MAKING PROCESS SEEMS TO DEVELOP FROM INITIAL RIGOROUS RESEARCH YOU’VE CONDUCTED. WHAT DOES THE PROCESS LOOK LIKE FROM IDEA TO STUDIO?

FXH/ Prior to conducting research, I usually like to have a discussion. This is why Yogyakarta is an enjoyable city for me. It is very accommodating for my practice and I can easily have discussions with friends and artists. Travelling to my research areas is relatively easier from Yogyakarta compared to Jakarta.

ON A TYPICAL DAY, HOW LONG DO YOU USUALLY STAY IN THE STUDIO?

FXH/ My day in the studio usually starts from 9am until 5pm. I guess I like to keep working, which is why I’ve been planning to move into the studio. This will allow me to work even more. These days, after spending the day in my studio, I still like to work at home.

TELL US YOUR IDEAL STUDIO ‘MUST HAVES’

FXH/ My studio is not completely finished yet but my eventual goal is to work and live there. I’ve been wanting to build a room dedicated for artists residencies for artists from outside Yogyakarta or even Indonesia, but this is still a plan for now. A good studio interior is a must for me, it is indeed a workshop space but I want to be able to present my works in my own studio in a nice set up.

FX Harsono NAMA, 2019 single channel video 12 minutes Edition of 10