Embracing Sensuality in Art: Candrika’s Journey in Breaking Stigmas

Candrika challenges societal norms through art, drawing inspiration from vintage Indonesian visuals to celebrate sensuality beyond mere eroticism. Her work promotes self-acceptance and body appreciation while incorporating elements of Nusantara heritage.

Despite criticism, she remains committed to reshaping perceptions of sensual art in Indonesia. In 2025, she will hold her first solo exhibition, aiming to build a community that values sensuality for its artistic and cultural depth.

Candrika, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m an artist who started seriously drawing in 2015. I studied Fine Arts at IKJ, which was the starting point of my journey as an artist. I draw a lot of inspiration from vintage Indonesian visuals, such as old movie posters, short story illustrations, and magazines from the 1960s to the 1980s. The main theme in my work is sensuality, especially in representing the female body from a deeper and more personal perspective.

Your art has a specific theme of sensuality, can you tell us more about it?

Sensuality in my work is not just about the female body or simply exposing sexuality. I want to encourage people to appreciate their bodies, accept them as they are, and understand that sensuality carries a deeper meaning. I also explore human relationships in a sacred way, rather than just focusing on eroticism without context.

How is your creative process in developing your art?

I enjoy writing and creating a narrative before I start drawing, because for me, a work with a story feels more meaningful. If a piece doesn’t have a strong narrative, people might only see it as just a visual without deeper meaning. In my creative process, I usually look for a story first. Initially, I used self-portrait photos as references, but over time, I began developing various different characters.

Do you have messages you are trying to convey or feelings you are trying to evoke through your art?

The main message in my work is self-appreciation, especially for women. There are still many stigmas in Indonesian society regarding the representation of the female body, but I want to show that the body is not something taboo—it is something to be valued and celebrated. I also want to showcase sensuality from a local cultural perspective, such as highlighting the sensual values found in batik patterns and other traditional elements of Nusantara.

Why do you think only a few women artists explore the theme of sensuality?

In Indonesia, exploring the theme of sensuality is still considered taboo, especially for female artists. Many female artists who depict this theme face negative stigma or social rejection because it is seen as going against societal norms. It takes strong mental resilience to continue creating in this field. In other countries, more artists may explore sensuality, but in Indonesia, the challenges are greater due to deep-rooted social stigmas.

Tell us about your project in 2025.

This year, I plan to hold a solo exhibition at the end of the year. The concept will be more refined compared to the works I share on social media, but it will still maintain the essence of the sensual themes I explore. I also want to create a community or a safe space where people can appreciate art from an artistic perspective rather than just its explicit aspects. Additionally, I want to further explore the concept of “Nusantara eroticism” so that people can see that sensuality in art can also carry strong cultural elements.

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