Mural artist paints grandmother’s shack


When we think of mural art, urban settings would most likely come to mind. But artist Ardan Kukuh P. broke that stereotype when he posted photos of his grandmother’s shack in Central Java online. 

Shacks tend to look drab and dull after they’re painted once with a plain coat of paint. However, Ardan has transformed his grandmother’s humble shack into a habitable piece of art.


Mural artist paints grandmother’s shack in Central Java


Mural artist paints grandmother's shack - Ardan working on the mural
Image credit: @ardankuk

Artist Ardan Kukuh P., known for his lively murals, wowed the Internet when he posted pictures of his grandmother’s shack in a rural area that he had painted – revealing the extent of his talent. 

His grandmother’s modest shack, now covered in colorful shapes such as pastel trees, cotton candy-shaped hills, and bright-eyed animals such as a giraffe, appears to be standing in the middle of a vast field. According to the geotag in the post, it’s located in Tawangmangu, Central Java. 

Mural artist paints grandmother's shack - Before and afterBefore and after photos of the shack
Image adapted from: @ardankuk

The transformed shack combined with the beautiful landscape makes Ardan’s work all the more phenomenal, with pastoral peace meeting vibrant modernity. Ardan also joked that his extended family fully approves of his work, and that he’d be willing to paint any of their houses – if they just say the word.


Other colorful works by the artist


Mural artist paints grandmother's shack - Virtual mural 1
Ardan’s virtual mural in Pasar Legi, Solo, Central Java
Image credit: @ardankuk

In addition to adding some color to his grandmother’s shack, Ardan also unleashed his creativity in other ways during the pandemic.

Calling the project a “virtual mural,” he edited his digital work in the same dreamlike style onto photos of various urban spaces such as Pasar Legi and Pasar Gede in Solo, Central Java. 

Mural artist paints grandmother's shack - Virtual mural 2
Ardan’s virtual mural in Pasar Gede, Solo, Central Java
Image credit: @ardankuk

Hopefully, Ardan will get the chance to paint the walls of these markets in real life one day!

Mural artist paints grandmother's shack - Pasar Festival Bali
Ardan’s mural in Pasar Festival Bali
Image credit: @ardankuk

On Instagram, Ardan also posted his collaborative murals, such as the one he and fellow artists painted in Pasar Festival Bali. The cute giraffe on his grandmother’s shack can be seen here, too.

To see more of the artist’s lively and colorful work, follow him on Instagram or Youtube. Ardan doesn’t only paint murals, but he also creates digital illustrations.


The comforting effect of art during trying times


Mural artist paints grandmother's shack - Mural prep
Preparation for a mural
Image credit: @ardankuk

Art can be a source of comfort – especially during difficult times such as the pandemic that everyone around the world is going through right now.

Even if you’re not the one creating it, seeing and engaging with works of art can hopefully soothe and inspire us.

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Cover image adapted from: @ardankuk

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