Romy Setyawan

Romy Setiawan (b. 1985, Mojokerto) is an artist based in Malang whose practice explores themes of inner peace, gratitude, and the pursuit of joy through the lens of everyday life. His works contemplate the importance of self-reconciliation, mindful living, and the act of sharing with others as pathways toward a more balanced and meaningful existence. Distinctive within his practice is the use of mechanical pencil on canvas—a medium traditionally employed for preliminary sketches, yet one that Romy has consistently embraced for more than a decade as the primary vehicle for his artistic expression.

Since beginning his exhibition career in 2006, Romy has actively participated in exhibitions across Indonesia, including in Bali, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta, while continuing his role as a lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Brawijaya. Among his notable achievements are the solo exhibition “HAHAHAHA... Citra Humor dalam Lukisan” at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta and his recognition as Perupa Terpilih Jawa Timur by the East Java Arts Council in 2013. More recently, his work was featured in “Rumah Budaya Indonesia”, an Indonesia–China Cultural Interconnection Exhibition held at Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Tianjin, China, further expanding the reach of his artistic practice within an international context.