The artwork of New Zealand-based artist Arlin Sukarlin is an exploration of the world, of things that inspire him and bring him joy. “I try not to take myself too seriously, and I want this to come across in my artworks. Each piece is an exploration of how I’m feeling in that moment; they aren’t premeditated nor does any planning go into them before I begin,” he says. 
Festival, mixed media, 59 x 35½"
A self-taught artist who works on New Zealand’s East Coast, Sukarlin has had two solo exhibitions and several joint exhibitions during his career, selling dozens of paintings. He creates highly experimental works, often letting the color, mood and atmosphere drive the painting process.
“I am attracted to bold colors, textures and patterns, a lot of which comes from nature and my Indonesian heritage,” says Sukarlin. “I also tend to gravitate toward an abstract and experimental style and will use a number of different tools in the creation of a piece. This includes palette knives, brushes, trowels, sticks, hair dryers and my hands to spread the paint. What I love about this style is how much freedom it affords me to be creative—there are no rules.”
Monochrome Storm, mixed media, 59 x 42"
Many of his works have a multi-layered effect, with swirling, undulating applications of paint dripping with spontaneity. “If things aren’t looking right, then I have no problem painting over the piece and starting from scratch. This is why you will sometimes find pieces that are covered with layer upon layer of paint,” he adds. 
Clockwise from top left: Ocean Illusion, mixed media, 59 x 35½"; Carnival, mixed media, 59 x 35½"; Hidden Window, mixed media, 59 x 35½"“Life in general is my muse. I’d like to think of myself as a happy, passionate and vibrant person and I hope this translates onto the canvas,” says Sukarlin. “Life is an adventure and so is each individual piece of work. You never know where it will take you.” —
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