Featured Artist: Dadantuye

DBH artist Dadantuye confesses, “I love nature.” However, his detailed snapshots of animals, plants, and insects diverge from the typical with the addition of bright colors, geometric arrangements, and – sometimes – even the sense that his designs continue to grow with ornate twisted patterns reaching across the page. Still, it is his unique juxtaposition between the natural world and the elements of the surreal, that will leave his audience excited to follow him on his journey through nature.

Dadantuye, or Dadan, is a 29-year-old nature enthusiast living in the city of Tasikmalaya in West Java, Indonesia. His passion for nature is evident in his distinctive style that captures the moment he stumbles upon “animals wrapped in green plants” on his nature walks. He loves trying to incorporate “many types of unique leaves” to create a sense of each animal getting lost in foliage. For him, creativity is the ability “to see new relationships from existing elements” which also contributes to the mix of the natural and surreal that we find in his work.

Like many artists, Dadantuye struggles with balancing a full-time job while also finding the time to pursue art. In the future, he hopes to exclusively pursue his art career while also supporting his family. He loves being involved in the art community and appreciates sharing his designs with others. He reminds other artists that they must simply “love” their art because there is nothing more important for growth than being proud of your own work.