Peer to Peer – Chris X Budi

Let us introduce you to the first Peer to Peer collaboration as part of Art et al. X Ketemu. We have commissioned Chris Angell from the Barrington Farm Art Studio in the UK to collaborate, have conversations with, and be creative with contemporary artist Budi Agung Kuswara from Indonesia.

CHRIS

Chris Angell is a self-taught artist working in North Norfolk in the East of England, at the Barrington Farm centre. He has attended this centre since 2001. Never afraid to experiment, Chris is confident in a variety of materials and techniques, though he works predominantly in pastels or acrylic with pens in subdued colours on paper or board. In recent works he has been experimenting with layering bright, water-based Posca pens on top of his paintings, giving his work a new vibrant energy. 

His interests and subject matter are wide ranging and varied, and often comment on popular culture or current events, with a surrealist edge. His work is bold and expressive, and often portrays his favourite themes such as landscapes and famous historical figures. Portraiture is a major source of inspiration for Chris, and he uses live models, printed material and his own imagination to create atmospheric drawings of people.

Chris’ work has been exhibited locally in Open Studios events, and in various exhibitions across the county. 

BUDI

Budi Agung Kuswara (Kabul) is a Balinese contemporary artist based in his native island of Bali. He views material as a living character and is not limited to objects or subjects within his work. Budi explores different historical techniques to bring about different atmospheres in his paintings, for example he uses a cyanotype technique onto stretched canvas which is a technique he has developed over many years. In the last nine years, he has been questioning the function of art beyond the object of beauty, leading him to several social art experiments with local communities. Negotiation of existence, appreciation and equality that are inclusive of the surrounding social environment are his biggest concerns.

In 2013 Budi founded the Ketemu Project – a visual art collective focused on social engagement through art. As one of the programs of Ketemu, Budi initiated the Schizofriends Art Movement, dedicated to supporting people living with schizophrenia through group art expression and professional development opportunities.