Born in December 1976, Edi’s first encounter with art was at a tender age of 5. During his childhood, Edi had the opportunity to study the work of great Indonesian artist Affandi. First through media, and later personally visiting Affandi, Edi found connection to the work of the great master. This experience served as an inspiration for Edi’s art throughout his career.

Despite not finding support for his passion at home, Edi continued to explore his joy in art. At a young age, he would create many paintings using finger technique – regular brushes were too large for him to use comfortably at the age. Using plants like banana leaf, jati or turmeric, Edi started mixing his own colours to the tone that he liked, a trait that has stayed with him until today. Using oil paint, Edi would often paint on fabric – bedsheets, pillow covers, etc. – as his family would not allow him to purchase proper canvas. He would use chalk and colours from school to paint on the walls in his house, often covering very large areas. His fondness for extra-size paintings might have developed during this stage of his childhood.

A significant breakthrough in his professional career came for Edi at the age of 12. During this time, he connected with a famous art exhibition in Jalan Malioboro in Yogyakarta. Despite his young age, the gallery purchased several of Edi’s paintings and one of his best works – a finger painting of koi – has won the gallery’s long-standing competition. He used the proceeds to buy new material and he plunged himself into production. This experience gave Edi the confidence and resolve to dedicate his life to art.

Shortly after, Edi moved full-time to Jakarta. His big dream was to open up his own art gallery. First Edi explored the tourism area, Ancol. The art scene here proved to be too commercial compared to the fine art style that Edi has developed over the years, therefore he decided to convert his own house into a small gallery. By this time Edi ‘brand” was recognized in Jakarta. The year was 1995. Over the next few years, Edi spent a lot of time traveling between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, seeking new motives, connecting with artists, and always producing. He spent a bit of time in Bali which inspired a lot of his later artwork especially in landscape, koi and the minimalist / abstract tendencies. In 1997 Edi opened a second gallery in Jakarta in one of the busiest malls, Plaza Indonesia.

Following the success at home, Edi started to look abroad for new opportunities & challenges. Edi opened few temporary international exhibitions, first in Singapore and later in Malaysia. In 1999 Edi moved full-time to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to start a new family. His biggest joy is his wife and two young children.