In celebration of International Women’s Day, we invited Shayan Gunawan, a Bali-based artist, to share a glimpse of her story behind her artwork—including her own journey and perspective on Magali Pascal's connection to celebrating femininity with a sense of freedom and confidence.
"I’m mixed Indonesian and Dutch, and after moving to Rotterdam and completing my Graphic Design degree at the Willem de Kooning Academy, I then focussed on creating and continuing to learn more about craftsmanship and design back in Bali. Learning new techniques and perspectives, I began creating sculptural furniture and artworks from my family’s wood studio and showroom in Bali.
Having lived in both Bali and the Netherlands has broadened my perspective and shaped my creative process. Naturally, my work reflects the experiences I’ve gathered—both in life and in the creative field—blending influences from both worlds. I appreciate both.”
Where do you find the most inspiration for your work—nature, people, emotions, or something else?
“I find inspiration everywhere; in the studio, out in nature, in the city, on the streets, and through the people I meet. I also draw from my own reflections and emotions, as they play a role in shaping the ideas that come to life.
My work is shaped by the visual details I notice in my surroundings and the materials I use. I translate these observations into lines, shapes, colours and forms.”
Which women—artists or otherwise—have inspired you the most in your journey?
“The most inspiring woman I know is my mother. She inspires me as a mother, artist, designer, and creator.”
Is there a particular project or piece of work that holds a special meaning to you?
“The ‘New Horizon’ Sculptural Bench holds special meaning for me, as it was my first creation combining stone and wood. The ‘2024, it just takes practice.’ calendar piece is also very special to me, as it tells its own story of growth and experimentation.”
How do you see your art as a reflection of women's strength and creativity?
“While my work is not focused specifically on women's strength and creativity, I believe it reflects universal themes of stability, balance, and creativity—qualities that can be embraced by everyone.
Balance is something I naturally focus on, it reflects my approach to life and design. Through composition and proportions, I try to show cohesion and harmony in my work. While I prefer not to give labels, my work has been interpreted as a representation of duality and even an embrace between the feminine Ying and the masculine Yang.”
Magali Pascal’s collections often celebrate femininity with a sense of freedom and confidence. Do you see a connection between that energy and the themes in your work?
“Like Magali Pascal's collections, I see freedom and confidence in my work, but they come through process rather than expression. There’s a balance between intuition and structure; I let creativity lead while working within the constraints of materials and techniques. Through experimentation, I develop and refine my own ways of working, aiming to create designs that are thoughtfully crafted and refined.”
If you could design an artwork inspired by the latest Ciao collection, what would it look like?
“The Ciao collection caught my attention with its fresh colours and summery feel. If I were to create an artwork inspired by it, I’d design a graphic fabric piece with warm colours to reflect its relaxed, summery atmosphere, taking inspiration from the signature cut-out embroidery fruit illustrations and the process behind them.”
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or aspirations you’d like to share?
"I’m exploring ‘new’ materials, collaborations, and different scales while continuing to mix old and new. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with more colour and pattern, bringing a new layer to my work, kind of like how Magali Pascal's Ciao collection plays with vibrant details. With upcoming collaborations and projects in the works, I’m looking forward to what’s next."
MODEL : @SHAYAN.CO
VIDEOGRAPHER: @NILUHBARENDT
