Irian Christie's ART399 Portfolio

Author/Artist Name

Irian ChristieFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Junior

Date of Creation

Fall 2024

Artist Statement

My art weaves together personal experiences and cultural heritage through drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Each piece tells a story about family, identity, and Indonesian roots, inviting viewers to engage with moments of joy, growth, and reflection. I draw inspiration from childhood memories, family traditions, and cultural symbolism, using bright colors and playful imagery to evoke emotions ranging from happiness to introspection. By sharing these personal narratives, I hope to encourage others to reflect on their own stories and connections.

Texture and pattern are essential to my work. I incorporate traditional Indonesian techniques, such as Batik—a wax-resist dyeing process—and woodworking, to create detailed surfaces that add depth and movement. These tactile elements allow me to merge cultural practices with modern artistic approaches, bringing both visual and emotional richness to each piece. Artists like Iwan Effendi influence my focus on storytelling by inspiring me to see each work as a visual narrative unfolding through form, color, and material. Similarly, Marina Elphick’s intricate craftsmanship encourages me to explore fine details and textures in my work, pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice.

At its core, my art is about connection—between identity, culture, and creative expression. Growing up with a mother who pursued art, I was motivated to embrace creativity as a way to find meaning and inspire others. As the eldest sibling, I strive to show my family and others that it is possible to build a meaningful life through art. I believe that art is a universal language—one that fosters understanding by connecting people through shared experiences, emotions, and stories.

Advisor/Mentor

Mike Martin

Description

My work explores the intersection of family, culture, and identity through a collection of paintings, batik works, drawings, and sculptures. The works weave together traditional Indonesian artistic techniques with personal narratives of living between two cultures.

Key pieces include Mommy and Me, a batik work that captures the bond between mother and child, framed by childhood doodles to reflect familial influence and cultural continuity. Another highlight, Three Little Birds, celebrates the love between siblings and the importance of treasuring that bond. Created through layers of wax and natural dyes, the piece evokes warmth and connection, emphasizing the enduring ties that hold families together.

Traditional elements, such as Wayang shadow puppetry, blend with contemporary forms, creating a bridge between past and present. This body of work invites viewers to reflect on how cultural roots and personal relationships shape identity while honoring the bonds that connect us across generations.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Christie, Irian, "Irian Christie's ART399 Portfolio" (2024). Professional Practices (ART 399). 168.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art399/168