Thinking & Revolution - Linelof’s story/journey/art travel

When you’re spending your days in Gili, take a moment to stop by Kayu Cafe, this time, for more than just a cup of coffee. On September 19th, 2026, Kayu Cafe opened their doors for Linelof’s month-long, solo art exhibition, “Thinking and Revolution”—a celebration of pointillism, creative exploration, and community. Pull up a seat and let the evening unfold naturally.

Pak Rizal, you are originally from Sumatra, did you study art here too?

No, I’ve never studied art. I left home when I was a teenager after being rejected by my family. I didn’t choose a typical career path that would be as successful as a job that many parents want or expect for their child. After spending around 10 years on the street, I am very grateful that even though I don’t have much, God gifted me my talents and my hands.

Why do you like to travel to display your art?

Travelling with my art means I can meet people from all over the world.
Maybe, this is because I never went to a formal art school, I don’t think you’d be encouraged to have a travelling solo exhibition on the path to great success. An art exhibition in a gallery is good, but you’ll only get to engage with people from this area. Travelling has meant I can bring art to other people, meet them on their path, and meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

I get the feeling of freedom when I travel, collecting internal and external insights that combine to make harmony. To see the street, a cafe or even a ferry as a space to invite people to engage with my art. That is freedom.

What does Thinking & Revolution mean to you?

Thinking takes effort and revolution comes from the heart. I have a spiritual teacher from Spain, he told me about the revolution first. You must connect with God and the universe. Ready to make the revolution every moment of every day.

What does pointilism mean to you?

Pointillism is a work of patience. Creating art using the pointelism technique was therapeutic as I struggled to cry. Instead of crying, I regulate myself by creating art. It is like meditation, it helps me to breathe. Every point drawn is a tear shed and makes you stronger.

Do you feel your art is political

A lot of people believe politics only regarding governments and institutions, but politics affect our daily life, and affect everyone and humanity. Yes I think my art is political, as are my beliefs and values.

For example, if someone doesn’t believe Palestine should be free, then they won’t enjoy my art. That’s fine, strong beliefs mean I can die with dignity.

Why is a ballpoint pen your favoured medium to create with?

It is a simple item, a pen, when I had no money and could not get expensive material, you would always find a pen lying around. I had problems sometimes in the rain that it would start to damage my work as I drew, so some of the pieces are backed on other stronger paper to protect the original. Some I do with stencil and spray paint. Especially this butterfly with the broken wings. Damage can be repaired, and beauty still stays in Palestine, even with horrific damage.

How do you find your art (or any art) can bring together communities?

I enjoy it when people want to purchase my art, but I never want to sell the originals. Sometimes, the originals will fetch a high price, but falling into the wrong hands, art work can get locked away or auctioned in the private art scene.

I’ve been offered huge sums to buy the original art, but then I feel if it is not shared with the community, I have lost my soul. Art is meant to be shared to make a community.

I am humbled with the income I make from selling my prints and merchandise. As long as I have enough income to buy food, buy drinks, and pay my rent, then I feel comfortable.

Here on Gili, we are surrounded by water! Have any of your pieces been inspired by the ocean? Or your journey across it?

Yes absolutely, I love the ocean and nature. That’s actually why I chose this table in Kayu Cafe: art, culture, conversation and a beautiful view of the ocean.

Do you have any Indonesia/International inspirations or art influences?

Although I have much respect for several Indonesian artists and their work, I think my inspiration comes from moments, places and people around me.

I think my biggest inspiration is working towards freedom in every single moment, how to find freedom around myself.

How do readers get to see/witness and buy your work after they have read this?

My main income comes from sales of my prints and merchandise.

I am in Kayu Cafe on Gili Trawangan for 1 month presenting my pieces, and creating collaborative art with guests and tourists every evening. No need to book or sign up, just come along to Kayu Cafe and we will enjoy coffee, reflection on spirituality and imagination whilst creating art. You can buy my prints from Kayu cafe as postcards, smaller and larger sizes.

Is there a significance between the grand opening time on Saturday’s Kayu gallery exhibition 1:27pm

It’s actually due to the date I was born! I was born in Sumatra 27th 11, so these numbers are meaningful to me.

What is next for you?

My dream is to travel to Europe, so when I earn enough for this trip, then I would love to exhibit my work in Europe. Not necessarily for the money, but I feel there is more appreciation for art there. Different conversations and deeper discussions.

In the near future, I have not yet planned where my next exhibition will be. I think there will be a sign or calling whilst I am here, as to what to do next.

That’s thinking & revolutionizing the way we can present, interpret and appreciate art. Linelof will be featuring his solo travelling exhibition at Kayu Cafe every day, until October 17th.