ART •  TRAVEL •  TALKS Riz Riz Rizz is a renowned Indonesian artist captivating galleries worldwide. His paintings hold complex stories, waiting to be uncovered. Word: Danilo Mašković Photography: Stefan Miloš Date: 27.11.2024. Originaly Published On BURO247HR Bali is a place of breathtaking nature and equally unpredictable encounters. Little did I know that the latter would leave a profound mark on my arrival to the Island of Gods. Once upon a time (as much as “once upon a time” applies in the virtual world), my Instagram feed led me to Fauve Art House’s profile. Back then, I couldn’t have imagined that one day I’d unexpectedly find myself face-to-face with Riz Riz Rizz—the artist who had been part of my (online) world for years. This acclaimed Indonesian multidisciplinary artist creates works that grace galleries around the globe. With his ability to convey intricate emotions through his paintings, he offers a glimpse into life’s mysteries. His pieces, often depicting female figures intertwined with animals and literary elements, hold complex narratives waiting to be discovered. Everything about this encounter felt surreal—from realizing that Rizz’s artistic haven was right in the neighbourhood of my “nomad villa” at Shore Amora Canggu Resort (not somewhere like St. Barts, where he had recently exhibited), to my bold decision to simply show up unannounced. Armed with oversized bills in my pocket— still a mystery to me—and a taxi driver who, naturally, had no change, I stood before the gates of this vibrant estate and asked the guard, “Do you happen to have change?” That moment was my entry into another world—a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and an indescribable energy. Imagine a space where female figures and powerful animals merge with poetry and symbolism, where every brushstroke carries a force that pulsates through everything Rizz is a painter who grounds his work in the raw yet tender symbiosis of colors, crafting a world where chaos and harmony coexist in a unique dance. Rizz himself described his artistic journey to me: “Over 20 years, I’ve experimented with various techniques—realism, figurative art, abstraction, impressionism… Eventually, I found my true love in Fauvism. The freedom, wild brushstrokes, and vibrant colors are what define me.” As he spoke of Matisse and Derain, it was clear how deeply their style resonates with him. Yet, for Rizz, Fauvism is more than an aesthetic—it’s a way to express the passion that fuels his life. Sometimes, in spontaneous and authentic encounters with art, we experience a moment where space and emotion blend seamlessly. This was one of those moments. WOMEN AS A UNIQUE UNIVERSEIn past travels, I’ve stumbled upon galleries that felt like sanctuaries, spaces where every artwork breathes, and where emotions and stories speak in whispers rather than shouts. I’ve come to understand that art is more than visual stimulation; it’s a convergence of all life’s facets, often through a dance of symbols and visual allegories. Take the women in Rizz’s paintings, for instance—they aren’t mere figures. They carry stories, inviting us to interpret them through symbols and signs. Just as furniture or a color can hold history, memory, and emotion, Rizz’s women convey silent yet profound tales waiting to be felt and understood. His work is rich in symbols, many drawn from Balinese art. It’s fascinating how he blends traditional motifs, like the harmonious relationship between humans and animals, with a different aesthetic direction. Though rooted in tradition, his art opens doors to something profoundly modern and universal. “I don’t explicitly represent my culture,” he explained, “but the animals in my paintings are influenced by Balinese art. I combine them with my Fauvist aesthetic to capture the essence of wilderness and nature. This fusion,” he added, “offers a fresh perspective on Indonesian art and inspires young artists to explore uncharted territories.” FROM CANVAS TO CLOTHING One corner of Fauve Art House particularly caught my eye: a clothing collection inspired by his paintings. The patterns, reflecting motifs from his artwork and rendered on natural fabrics, were so striking that I couldn’t resist trying a few pieces. “Transitioning from canvas to fashion felt like a natural step,” Riz admitted. “I use natural textiles and earthy tones as part of my vision. Honestly, I didn’t expect people to love this collection as much as I do.” This (mostly unisex) collection is proof that art can live beyond gallery walls, connecting with audiences in entirely new ways. It reminded me of the philosophy of People Like Us Community—a brand that celebrates not just aesthetics but also the passion and love for blending opposites, embracing both the masculine and feminine sides within us all.Throughout the space, discreetly tucked among ceramic vases, were bottles of red wine—a motif that frequently appears in Rizz’s paintings. When I asked him about their meaning, he smiled and said, “A glass of red wine often accompanies my creative process. It’s like a flame that stirs my passion and adds depth to my work. The combination of the wine’s color and my brushstrokes symbolizes the fire that drives my creativity.” Needless to say, the Dionysian side of me rejoiced at his words “The best ideas come to me in my sleep,” he laughed. “That’s my trick—while others sketch dozens of drafts, I let myself dream. In that liminal space between waking and sleeping, my strongest paintings are born.” Rizz shared another “secret” of his—a moment of clarity that fuels his artistic process. “AI? NO, THANK YOU.” Toward the end of our conversation, we touched on technology’s role in art. While many today explore the possibilities of VR or AI, Rizz remains firmly rooted in traditional methods. “AI? No. That’s just not for me. Traditional methods are sexy—they bring passion. There’s something magical about the friction of a brush against the canvas, in the imperfections that are so human. AI can’t replicate that emotion.” This primal, natural connection to the human element and his focus on authenticity are what make Rizz’s art so unique. Every color and brushstroke carries a piece of his being—his passion, dreams, and vision of the world. RIZZ BEYOND HIS ARTIST’S HAVEN My encounter with Rizz didn’t end at his doorstep. What began as an improvised adventure evolved into a true Riz Riz Rizz (adven)ture. Visiting the renowned concept store The Medium Design revealed a special collection of his paintings housed in custom-made frames, alongside ceramic sculptures radiating the same energy as his home. Further exploration led me to the restaurant Longtime, where Rizz’s sculptures and paintings elevate the modern interior to a whole new level. His presence is felt in every detail, turning the space into a fusion of art and design. The food here isn’t just good—it’s an experience. Rizz also shared that in April 2025, he’s preparing a major European exhibition at iD|room in Geneva. Based on everything I’ve seen and felt, I can only imagine what that story will look like. The hunt for low- cost flights is already underway—after all, Rizz isn’t just an artist; he’s a journey unto himself I’ll end this story with words spoken about him by Tamara Davis, director of Jean- Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child: “Rizz is a true artist. His passion for what he creates and his infectious energy completely captivated me. He has that same childlike yet serious quality I noticed in Basquiat. He makes you wonder—is he naïve or a genius?”