Jonathan Sugendro (1996)

“As an artist, I seek to see and be seen. To give a face to those whom society overlooks. I love raw and unpolished representations of characters. As an artist, I can express my high sensitivity. I like to meet people to embrace their character. I see people who want to be seen; happy people, sad people, militant people. I feel their feelings, and that inspires me. Feelings fade, but the experience remains. My art is raw because of the realistic life experiences of others.”

Jonathan consistently works with the same technique in the studio, developing his own unique style: drawings in ballpoint pen, black and blue, and pen with Indian ink. He experiments with color, paint markers, and watercolor, interwoven with the ink drawings. His work is primarily figurative; the drawings tell stories. In certain sections, he has further developed the structure, giving the work a certain abstract quality.

He worked at Galerie Atelier Herenplaats from 2017 to 2020. A booklet of his drawings has been compiled and is available for purchase in the gallery shop. Several of his works are included in the collection.

‘This is me.

A 22-year-old young dog with an old soul.

I see you and I adore you.

In my eyes, I know you, the person.

Regardless of any background that may hold you back.

I see you creating without labels, right down to the core.

I see you as my art inspiration.

Maybe I’ll see you soon.

I adore you as a person in all your splendor, allowing your character to shine.

Being unique is a talent.

Having an ego doesn’t make you a tougher guy.’