The quest for creativity
Tatum Maya
Expressionist Artist & Designer
Tatum Maya is an expressionist artist whose work bridges worlds—born in Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia, and now rooted in Sweden. Her art is a vibrant dialogue between cultures, a reflection of a life lived between the rich traditions of Indonesia and the contemporary landscapes of Sweden.
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Through geometric patterns like Tenun Ikat, evocative human forms, and spiritual symbols, Tatum explores the depths of emotion, consciousness, and identity. Each piece is a journey inward, tracing the fragile and luminous paths from the material world to the divine. Her work speaks of longing, belonging, and the quiet power of personal reflection, inviting viewers to traverse these realms alongside her.
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With a foundation in visual communication design and a keen understanding of narrative through imagery, Tatum transforms personal experience into universal resonance. Her art celebrates diversity, evokes contemplation, and challenges us to see the world—and ourselves—through a lens shaped by culture, memory, and emotion.
Tatum and Journey to Sense
In 2022, Tatum, in collaboration with Nandinne Kuntjoro, initiated a project that began as a modest partnership combining Tatum's paintings and Nandinne's poetry for a Mini Exhibition. As the concept evolved, the initiative grew into a broader platform known as Journey to Sense, incorporating additional elements such as body movement to deepen its impact.
Journey to Sense is a sustainable platform officially launched on May 16, 2024, at Skövde Art Museum, Sweden. It designed to foster the capacity to reconnect with the inner self and to address interrelations affecting overall well-being. It facilitates intercultural dialogue by leveraging the arts as a medium of communication, encouraging self-awareness and mutual understanding.
The initiative focuses on empowering individuals to cultivate a positive sense of self, providing a solid foundation for personal growth and transformation. Through its multifaceted approach, Journey to Sense seeks to inspire meaningful change and promote holistic well-being across diverse communities.
Tatum for UN Women Skaraborg, Sweden
In March 2024, Tatum was honored to participate as one of the featured artists in an exhibition hosted by UN Women Skaraborg under the theme "Konst för Jämställdhet" Art for Gender Equality. This remarkable exhibition embarked on a tour across various cities in the Skaraborg region, situated in the southwest of Sweden, using art as a powerful medium to advocate for and celebrate gender equality.
On Swedish National Day, June 6, Tatum was deeply honored to receive the prestigious Anna Lindh Award, presented by Monica Green, Chairperson of the Skövde Municipality, on behalf of the Skövde Anna Lindh Kommitté. This esteemed accolade recognizes her remarkable contributions to promoting gender equality through cultural initiatives, underscoring her dedication to creating meaningful societal impact through the arts.
Tatum and Intercultural project "Intra-Chromatic"
In 2020, Tatum initiated an intercultural project between Nusa Tenggara Barat and Sweden, demonstrating her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding. She was introduced to the Sacred Bridge Foundation through her former art teacher and, recognizing their shared vision and goals, promptly joined the organization as Head of Communication and Outreach.
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In this capacity, Tatum spearheaded the development and implementation of "Intra-Chromatic," an initiative under the foundation's intercultural dialogue domain. This program, a collaborative cultural exchange between Nusa Tenggara Barat and Sweden, was a joint effort by the Sacred Bridge Foundation (Indonesia) and Skövde Konstmuseet/Skövde Art Museum (Sweden).
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Despite encountering significant challenges during its early stages, the program benefited from consistent communication and collaboration with Skövde Art Museum, ultimately achieving remarkable milestones. In 2023, these efforts culminated in the groundbreaking "Intra-Chromatic" event at the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta, marking a pivotal moment in the program's success.
