Hari Lualhati
Interview with featured artist and winner of the 2023 Life, Death, Love competition: Hari Lualhati
December 2023
The Birth of A Dream - Oil on Canvas, 122cm x 89cm
Can you provide a brief overview of your journey as a visual artist and how you got started?
My journey as a visual artist has been deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for artistry that began in my early years. Growing up, I found immense joy in drawing, particularly inspired by cartoons and beloved Disney movies. This fascination propelled me to create my renditions of these characters, fueling my ambition to become an animator at Disney.
As I progressed, my interest in art only intensified. I recall a significant moment during my primary school admission examination where, prompted to draw our fathers, my detailed and voluminous figure drawing caught the attention of teachers, setting an early precedent for my artistic abilities.
This fervor for art persisted through my academic years, culminating in my Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines - Diliman, where I graduated with honors (Cum Laude) in 2006. The formal training I received there served as a foundation for my artistic journey, but my curiosity and passion for exploring various mediums and subjects truly molded my artistic identity.
Each day, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for painting and drawing, allowing my heart's desires to guide me in creating art that resonates with me and, hopefully, with others.
Becoming A Prayer - Oil on Canvas, 122cm x 89cm
The Essence of Being Beautifully Broken - Oil on Canvas, 120cm x 87cm
How would you describe your artistic style, and what themes or concepts do you often explore in your work?
My artworks, which I affectionately term as "SOULWORKS," reflects a direct connection to my inner self. My artistic style can be described as a fusion of realism, expressionism and symbolism. My emphasis on realism stems from a belief that the subject holds the most profound message in the artwork; hence, it must be recognizable and accessible to all viewers, irrespective of their expertise in art. A paramount concern for me is ensuring that anyone observing my soulwork understands its significance and purpose, forging a connection with the inspiring message embedded within.
In my pieces, the background serves as an expressive canvas where I employ bold, playful brush strokes, aiming to strike a balance within the composition. The techniques I utilize are geared towards unveiling the hidden beneath the apparent, weaving a profound visual narrative.
Symbolism plays a pivotal role in my soulworks, serving as a captivating vehicle to convey meaningful stories. I aspire for my creations not only to captivate with their beauty but also to narrate compelling and purposeful tales.
The essence of my soulworks resides in the profound life lessons, epiphanies, and realizations that have shaped my journey. These are the pivotal "Moments" that have left an indelible mark, steering me toward becoming a better version of myself. Preserving these invaluable insights and inspirations, I aspire to share them with others through my soulworks, conveying these lessons in the most impactful manner possible. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of humanity, our shared emotions, and experiences. My aspiration is for the audience to discern a reflection of themselves within my soulworks, forging a connection that ignites inspiration and fosters a more positive perspective on life.
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb - Oil on Aluminum Panel, 59.6 cm x 59.6 cm, 2023
Who are some artists that have influenced or inspired your own artistic development?
Various artists and their works have profoundly impacted my artistic journey, serving as constant sources of inspiration and motivation. Throughout my life, numerous art teachers and mentors have imparted invaluable knowledge, shaping my understanding of art. Their guidance and teachings have been instrumental in my artistic development, and I am forever grateful to them for their contributions.
However, when reflecting on my deepest inspiration, I attribute it to a higher power – God. I firmly believe that God, the creator of all, is the ultimate artist. The beauty of nature, the expressive skies, and the uniqueness of every creature serve as constant reminders of God's artistic mastery. What sets God apart as my favorite artist is not just the visual beauty of creation, but the profound emotions it evokes, particularly the overwhelming sense of love. My personal relationship with God is deeply intimate and difficult to articulate. I communicate with God through daily prayers, sharing my desires and confessing my flaws. Despite being witness to my imperfections and darkest thoughts, I feel an unwavering sense of acceptance, mercy, and, above all, love from God. To me, God embodies love itself, and there's nothing more inspiring and impactful than experiencing this divine love in my life and art.
We Are All Connected - The Fruitful Impact of Unity, Oil on Canvas, 67cm x 67cm, 2022
How has your style evolved over time?
As I've grown and evolved personally, my artistic style and themes have undergone significant transformations. In my earlier years, particularly during high school, my artworks were influenced by heartfelt themes such as the "mother and child" motif, inspired by the deep love I witnessed in my mother's nurturing care. Additionally, my focus often gravitated towards nurturing our environment, reflecting the prevalent theme in on-the-spot art competitions.
There was a phase where I dedicated a series to capturing the essence of couples deeply in love, sparked by my fascination with the subject of love and relationships. However, as I've matured and further connected with myself, my inspiration has shifted. Presently, I draw inspiration from profound life lessons that have significantly impacted and transformed my own journey. These experiences have become a profound source of inspiration, motivating me to share these meaningful life lessons through my art, aiming to resonate and connect with others on a deeper level.
How do you choose the subjects or themes for your artwork?
The subjects or themes for my artworks often stem from a deep fascination with the human body, particularly the nude figure, which I find inherently elegant, classic, and deeply relatable. I'm drawn to the sincere and raw beauty it embodies. To convey a sense of interconnectedness and a reminder of our connection with nature, I frequently intertwine elements of nature and animals with the human figure within my art. This integration serves as a visual testament to our interconnectedness and a gentle urging to remain mindful of our environment.
The Rise of Hope - Oil on Canvas, 61x76cm, 2022
Can you describe your creative process from conception to completion of a piece?
My creative process, whether with oil on canvas or graphite on paper, commences with the pivotal phase of conceptualization. I deeply value this stage as I consider a robust concept to be the cornerstone of my soulwork. It's crucial for me that the concept ignites a sense of excitement within me, as I believe this enthusiasm lays a strong foundation for my artistic expression.
Once the concept is visualized, I embark on the act of painting or drawing. During this phase, I often find myself immersed in a state of flow, allowing the passion coursing through my paintbrush or pencil to guide my movements. To me, this process encapsulates the embodiment of love made tangible through art—an intimate connection between passion and creativity that brings my soulwork to life.
Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
When it comes to my creative process, I don't adhere to any specific ritual or routine. Instead, I carry a mindset that each artwork I'm working on will potentially become my latest masterpiece. I've experienced days where inspiration seems elusive, yet I've learned that simply being present in my studio and committing myself to the work gradually steers me towards achieving what I consider a masterpiece. The act of persistently pushing myself to engage with the art, even during moments of diminished inspiration, eventually leads me closer to realizing the potential of each piece.
The Dreamcatcher - Oil on Canvas, 61cm x 76cm
What mediums and techniques do you prefer to work with, and why?
My preferred mediums predominantly revolve around oil and graphite. I find myself naturally drawn to these classic mediums, primarily due to the comfort and familiarity I feel while working with them. Oil and graphite possess timeless qualities that resonate with me, offering a sense of tradition and depth in artistic expression that I greatly appreciate.
How do you approach project planning and time management, especially when working on multiple pieces or commissions?
When managing multiple pieces or commissions, I typically focus on one piece at a time, though I'm adaptable to handling multiple projects if necessary due to deadlines. Prior to commencing a piece, especially if there's a set timeframe, I prioritize maintaining the right pace and phase for each project. Ideally, with my "Soulworks," I don't impose strict deadlines; I let the piece evolve at its own pace until it resonates with me. Quality remains paramount throughout my creative process—I invest ample time and attention in each artwork, avoiding hastiness to ensure that the piece attains its fullest expression. This approach allows my art to encapsulate the profound connection and meaningful narratives inherent in my "SOULWORKS."
Turn Your Wounds Into Wisdom -Oil on Aluminum Panel, 15 inches x 12 inches, 2021
Where do you see yourself as an artist in the next few years?
In the coming years, my aspiration is to persist in pursuing my artistic passion, staying true to creating and painting what deeply resonates with my soul. Presently, I'm content and fulfilled with the Soulworks I'm crafting, yet I am committed to continuously refining my technique and delving deeper into the meaning encapsulated within my works. The quality and significance of each Soulwork hold immense pride and satisfaction for me. While acknowledging that art appreciation varies among individuals, what truly matters to me is the enduring sense of pride and happiness I foresee in looking back at my creations. I devote a part of my life and dedicate unwavering effort and love to ensure that each Soulwork reflects the best of my abilities and holds a piece of my heart. This dedication is what I aspire to carry forward as I continue my artistic journey.
Thank you Hari!
Hari Lualhati Biography
Hari Lualhati, a dedicated full-time artist permanently based in Cape Town, South Africa, prefers to characterize her recent creations as "SOULWORKS," considering them a direct conduit to her innermost self. Born on February 12, 1985, Hari's passion for art emerged early, leading her to become a consistent representative in Art Competitions and garnering the title of "Artist of the Year" throughout high school. In 2006, she graduated with honors (Cum Laude) with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Her professional journey has taken her across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Shenzhen China, and South Africa, where she has excelled as a graphic artist, product designer, illustrator, and painter.
Hari's artistic prowess has earned her numerous accolades in International Art Competitions, with features and cover appearances in various Art Magazines and Publications. In 2015, she was chosen to represent South Africa at the esteemed NordArt Exhibition in Germany, one of the largest juried exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe. In 2018, Hari showcased her work at the MEAM - European Museum of Modern Art, and is currently having an exhibition there from October 2023 to January 2024. Her diverse body of work has graced exhibitions in the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Armenia, Ukraine, Spain, Prague, and the USA, attesting to the global resonance of her artistic expression.
Photo of the artist, Hari Lualhati, with her work
HARI LUALHATI Artist’s Statement
“I prefer to refer to my art pieces as my "SOULWORKS" because to me, they transcend mere artworks; they are embodiments of my soul expressed through art, serving as a direct connection to my inner self and encapsulating values that are profoundly significant to me. The essence of my Soulworks revolves around powerful life lessons, aha moments, and realizations that have left an indelible mark on my journey, shaping me into a better version of myself. Through my Soulworks, I aim to preserve and convey these lessons and inspirations to others, grounded in the belief that, as human beings, we are inherently interconnected and share the same spectrum of emotions.
The human figure, with its sincerity and raw beauty, has always captivated me. In my creations, I intertwine elements of nature and animals with the human form to emphasize the interconnectedness that binds us all. My artistic style can be characterized as a harmonious blend of realism, expressionism, and symbolism. Every stroke on the canvas is a heartfelt expression, as I believe in painting with my heart. The success of a Soulwork, in my perspective, lies in its ability to evoke the intended emotion in anyone who gazes upon it—a means of delivering a clear message by touching the hearts of viewers.”