Dali Susanto - Today is the Day

Dali Susanto was born in the art capital of Indonesia, Yogyakarta and was brought up surrounded by artists. His mother and father owned and still run a batik gallery and studio where they teach local and international tourists the skills in batik work. Named after Salvador Dali, his parents hoped he would follow in the renowned artist’s footsteps and become an artist.

Since moving to New Zealand in 2007, Dali’s career as an artist has taken off and he has become a real identity in the flourishing Hawke's Bay arts scene. He has held several exhibitions at galleries in Hastings and Napier and has exhibited in Auckland and in the Taupo Museum. Dali produces bold paintings and designs, usually using acrylics, often resembling prints.

In this exhibition Dali has continued to expand his practice, painting all surfaces of the Alcove Gallery, including walls, floor, ceiling and the surfaces of re-purposed furniture. Dali’s whimsical energetic personality shines through in these works, emanating his muralist and pop art sensibility.

The influence of iconic artists such as Keith Haring is evident, but also that of his own upbringing growing up with his batik artist mother in the creative hub of Yogyakata, Indonesia.