Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina, known collectively as RANS, stand out as one of Indonesia’s most influential couples in the realm of social media. Raffi, a multifaceted entertainment personality with roles in hosting, acting, and singing, has transitioned into a thriving business tycoon. He currently manages a content production agency, a sports club, an animation studio, and various other successful ventures. Nagita, on the other hand, is a cherished actress and performer in her own right.
LARRY’S LIST spoke with Raffi about his art collection, his particular attraction to Indonesian artist Naufal Abshar’s work, how he has influenced the Indonesian art scene, as well as his happiest moment in the art world.

Collecting

What made you want to start collecting art? What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
To begin with, I started collecting art to fill decorations in my house. Then, my friend introduced me to artist Naufal. He brought me and my wife to his studio, and that was the time when I saw art in a different way.  I feel art can give a soul to a space or house, so then I started collecting art and enjoy it.

When did you fall in love with a piece of art? What was it?
When I saw Naufal’s painting titled “The Living Legend”; I don’t know, I feel it speaks to me, it relates to me and my life.

Why do you focus your collection on emerging Indonesian artists? What in their art that has attracted you?
I want to help young artists that have potential. The artists who have passion for art, and their work relates to the current issues.

And particularly you collect heavily Naufal Abshar’s work? Why has his art consistently attracted you?
Yes! His work represents current issues, talking about how we, as human beings, live. His work is not too heavy to understand; you don’t feel intimidated. And I just love how he composes the colors of his paintings; his distinct style can be spotted right away.”

What were the first and the latest artworks you purchased?
The first was Taat Joedawinata, and the latest was Naufal Abshar.

How many artworks do you own? Where do you display your collection?
I don’t count, but I believe I have maybe around 30 Artworks, I display them in my house and my office building.

Have you ever presented, or would you wish to present, your art collection publicly?
I haven’t showcased my collection publicly, but one day if my collection is good enough, I will share it to the public.

What kind of artwork can make you write a cheque without any consideration?
Art that I feel it’s related to me right away.. and of course if my wife approves it! [laughters]

Which is your most treasured artwork?
All Naufal’s works.

The Indonesian art scene

What do you think about the Indonesian art scene in the past five years?
To be honest I’m not too involved in the Indonesian art scene that much, but I believe Indonesian art has flourished, with many young emerging artists who are very talented and started to be recognized by the international scene.

As celebrities, how are you influencing the art scene in Indonesia?
So, during the pandemic, I organized an online art competition with the help of Naufal. We invited artists from across Indonesia to submit their work, and we called it “PAMERANS.” The winner would receive a prize, and we were shocked that almost 3000 artists submitted their works. And in my YouTube channel, I made videos in which I hung all the paintings.

Can you name three emerging Indonesian artists who should be on our radar?
Naufal Abshar, Iabadio Piko, and Irskiy.

The Art World

What was your happiest moment being involved in art?
I think it is being friends with the artists whose work I collect. The friendship is precious; and most importantly, when their work are hung on the walls inf my house and office, it reminds me of them.

Who inspires you the most in the art world?
I guess Henry Matisse and Anish Kapoor.

What are you especially excited about in regard to art in the next 12 months?
Collaborations, I want to see much more collaborations with between artists and technology, maybe AI, that looks very interesting! There could be some futuristic art.

Instagram: @raffinagita1717