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Yessiow is a multidisciplinary artist who grew up in Bali, Indonesia. With Javanese roots and a deep connection to Balinese culture, she was immersed in a blend of traditions from an early age. This dual heritage continues to shape her artistic identity, informing the patterns, colors, and storytelling elements found throughout her work. She is best known for her vibrant street art and large-scale murals that weave together narratives of place, community, and everyday life merging bold color, playful forms, and personal storytelling.

After graduating in 2018, Yessiow and her partner Stijn set off on a journey to explore the world. Initially driven by curiosity rather than artistic ambition. However, their travels took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic led them to stay in India for nearly two years. It was during this time that Yessiow immersed herself in painting on the streets, developing a deeper relationship with public art. In India, she painted her first four-story mural. An experience that cemented her passion for working with large-scale walls and connecting with communities through art.

In recent years, Yessiow has expanded her practice beyond the streets to focus more deeply on studio-based media, particularly textile and mixed media. Drawing inspiration from her parents, who are both knitting artists, she is reconnecting with her roots by integrating hand-knitted elements into her painted works. Her current studio practice explores themes of memory, domesticity, and inherited craft, often combining fabric, paint, and sculptural forms to create tactile, layered pieces.

A recurring theme in her work is women’s empowerment and the beauty of diversity, especially through the celebration of different skin tones. Whether on city walls or in quiet studio spaces, Yessiow’s work invites connection, storytelling, and joy in shared experience.

In 2024, Yessiow was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (Arts), recognizing her work in public art and its impact on communities.

💫 Beyond the Studio

Beyond making art, Yessiow is involved in organising street art festivals and platforms that connect artists with public spaces.

1. Street Art Calls

An open-call platform where artists can discover and share mural and festival opportunities worldwide.

2. Far East Mural Project
A program dedicated to uplifting and supporting female street artists across Indonesia, Asia, and beyond.

3. Tangi Street art festival
A community-driven festival in Bali that brings local and international artists together through murals, gatherings, and cultural exchange.

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