Yessiow
Is our artist line-up for Tangi Instervention Program 2023
Yessiow is a mural artist and illustrator from Bali, Indonesia, with Javanese roots and a deep connection to Balinese culture. This dual heritage shapes her artistic identity, influencing the patterns, colors, and storytelling elements in her work. She has been developing her mural practice since 2013 and studied graphic design at Telkom University, graduating in 2018.
After graduation, Yessiow and her partner Stijn traveled the world, and during an extended stay in India caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she immersed herself in street painting, including her first four-story mural. This experience solidified her passion for large-scale public art and deepened her connection to communities through visual storytelling.
Her work is influenced by ancient Greek pottery, natural forms, and Balinese and Javanese textile patterns. Vibrant colors reflect the energetic environment of her upbringing, while signature pot shapes serve as her storytelling tool. Yessiow often explores themes of diversity and women’s empowerment, celebrating different skin tones and identities. She values seeing her murals become part of daily life, engaging with local communities and creating works that resonate with the people around them.
Yessiow was an invited artist for the first edition of Tangi Street Art Festival, 2023, themed “Paras Paros” or “spirit of togetherness.” The festival aimed to inspire and uplift local youth by transforming public spaces into areas of creativity, dialogue, and collaboration. Her contribution highlighted how street art can foster community engagement and connection, making walls a medium for shared expression and cultural storytelling.
Her mural “Woven Dreams” celebrates unity and support among women in the male-dominated street art world. Depicting three women braiding each other’s hair, the piece symbolizes strength, encouragement, and the importance of women supporting one another. It encourages female artists to pursue their creative passions fearlessly, reclaim space, and break barriers, leaving a lasting impact on the urban canvas. Through collaboration and solidarity, the mural acts as a beacon of empowerment, inspiring women to stay true to their artistic calling while fostering a community where their voices and expressions are celebrated and valued.