Unveiling the Soul: An Interview with Hari Lualhati, Creator of Soulworks

Hari Lualhati is a full-time artist who is permanently based in Cape Town, South Africa. Hari sees her art as more than just pictures; they deeply reflect her soul and personal growth. Her recent works are called “SOULWORKS,” reflecting her deepest feelings and experiences. In this interview, Hari shares how her art connects with viewers personally, from her early successes to her global exhibitions. She also talks about how she moved from graphic design to full-time painting, her joy in experimenting with her craft, and her hopes that her art inspires others.

Hari Lualhati, a dedicated full-time artist permanently based in Cape Town, South Africa, prefers to characterize her recent creations as “SOULWORKS,” considering them a direct conduit to her innermost self. Born on February 12, 1985, Hari’s passion for art emerged early, leading her to become a consistent representative in Art Competitions and garnering the title of “Artist of the Year” throughout high school. In 2006, she graduated with honors (Cum Laude) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Her professional journey has taken her across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Shenzhen China, and South Africa, where she has excelled as a graphic artist, product designer, illustrator, and painter.

Hari’s artistic prowess has earned her numerous accolades in International Art Competitions, with features and cover appearances in various Art Magazines and Publications. In 2015, she was chosen to represent South Africa at the esteemed NordArt Exhibition in Germany, one of the largest juried exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe. In 2018, Hari showcased her work at the MEAM – European Museum of Modern Art, and recently had an exhibition there from October 2023 to January 2024. Her diverse body of work has graced exhibitions in the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Armenia, Ukraine, Spain, Prague, and the USA, attesting to the global resonance of her artistic expression.

Hari Lualhati refers to her art pieces as her “SOULWORKS” because, to her, they transcend mere artworks; they are embodiments of her soul expressed through art, serving as a direct connection to her inner self and encapsulating values that are profoundly significant to her. The essence of her Soulworks revolves around powerful life lessons, aha moments, and realizations that have left an indelible mark on her journey, shaping her into a better version of herself. Through her Soulworks, she aims to preserve and convey these lessons and inspirations to others, grounded in the belief that, as human beings, we are inherently interconnected and share the same spectrum of emotions.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am Hari Lualhati, a dedicated full-time artist based in Cape Town, South Africa. I characterize my recent creations as “SOULWORKS,” considering them a direct conduit to my innermost self. Born on February 12, 1985, my passion for art emerged early, leading me to consistently represent my school in art competitions and earn the title of “Artist of the Year” throughout high school. In 2006, I graduated with honors (Cum Laude) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. My professional journey has taken me across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Shenzhen China, and South Africa, where I have excelled as a graphic artist, product designer, illustrator, and painter. My artistic prowess has earned me numerous accolades in international art competitions, with features and cover appearances in various art magazines and publications. In 2015, I was chosen to represent South Africa at the esteemed NordArt Exhibition in Germany, one of the largest juried exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe. In 2018, I showcased my work at the MEAM – European Museum of Modern Art, and recently had an exhibition there from October 2023 to January 2024. My diverse body of work has graced exhibitions in the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Armenia, Ukraine, Spain, Prague, USA, and Australia, attesting to the global resonance of my artistic expression.

I prefer to refer to my art pieces as my “SOULWORKS” because, to me, they transcend mere artworks; they are embodiments of my soul expressed through art, serving as a direct connection to my inner self and encapsulating values that are profoundly significant to me. The essence of my Soulworks revolves around powerful life lessons, aha moments, and realizations that have left an indelible mark on my journey, shaping me into a better version of myself. Through my Soulworks, I aim to preserve and convey these lessons and inspirations to others, grounded in the belief that, as human beings, we are inherently interconnected and share the same spectrum of emotions. The human figure, with its sincerity and raw beauty, has always captivated me. In my creations, I intertwine elements of nature and animals with the human form to emphasize the interconnectedness that binds us all. My artistic style can be characterized as a harmonious blend of realism, expressionism, and symbolism. Every stroke on the canvas is a heartfelt expression, as I believe in painting with my heart. The success of a Soulwork, in my perspective, lies in its ability to evoke the intended emotion in anyone who gazes upon it—a means of delivering a clear message by touching the hearts of viewers.

I prefer to refer to my art pieces as my “SOULWORKS” because to me, they transcend mere artworks; they are embodiments of my soul expressed through art, serving as a direct connection to my inner self and encapsulating values that are profoundly significant to me.

Hari Lualhati

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

What inspired me to become an artist is deeply rooted in my belief that being an artist is my true calling. Painting brings immense joy to my heart and makes me feel that my time is well spent and meaningful. As a child, I was often told that I drew well and that I should become an artist when I grew up. I embraced this encouragement wholeheartedly, practicing diligently to improve my skills. However, life initially led me to the world of advertising. After graduating from university, I became a graphic artist. Despite the success I found in that field, I realized that my true passion lay in painting. I decided to follow my heart and become a full-time artist and painter. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to pursue my passion every day. The ability to do what truly makes my heart happy is a deeply cherished blessing.

I find inspiration everywhere. As I paint in colorscapes, I am always studying how colors interact with each other – whether it be in nature, art, or design. My favorite artist to study is Rothko – I am deeply inspired by the series he painted on Color Fields.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

I find inspiration for my artwork through a profound journey of self-discovery, which has allowed me to understand myself better over the years. From a young age, I recognized that my creations serve as reflections of my inner self, extending from my soul—hence, I term them my Soulworks. Painting what holds personal significance effortlessly transforms the creative process, and I realize that the final result mirrors the genuine emotions invested in each stroke. This deep connection between the subject matter and my soul translates into my art, revealing the authenticity and love embedded in each piece. In essence, my art has been an intimate exploration, guiding me to comprehend and express the depth of my being. Through my artwork, I aspire for people to glean the profound lessons life has imparted to me. My creations serve as a canvas for expressing the intrinsic value of life, weaving in elements like nature and animals to underscore our interconnectedness. My overarching goal is to forge a meaningful connection between the viewer and my artwork. I firmly believe in the universal bond shared by all human beings, a connection rooted in our shared emotions and experiences. I hope that, in experiencing my artworks, the audience can catch a glimpse of themselves reflected in the narratives and be transported back to triumphant and inspiring chapters of their own lives.

4. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

Through my artwork, I aspire for people to discover the profound lessons life has imparted to me. I aim to offer more than mere visuals; my art serves as tangible reminders of life’s golden wisdom. When my collectors wake each morning to be greeted by my paintings on their walls, my intention is that they are reminded of these profound life lessons. This daily encounter serves as a wellspring of inspiration and positivity, providing a fortifying foundation as they navigate the challenges of each new day. My artworks become not just adornments but cherished companions, imparting enduring wisdom and encouragement to enrich their lives beautifully.

5. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

Experimentation adds a vibrant spice to my Soulwork. I love leaving space for experimentation because, often, that’s where the magic happens. It is through these moments of creative exploration that each piece gains its unique character and distinctiveness. By experimenting with different techniques, styles, and mediums, I allow my art to evolve and grow. This willingness to explore the unknown infuses my Soulworks with a sense of spontaneity and authenticity. Each experiment leads to new discoveries, pushing the boundaries of my creativity and deepening the emotional resonance of my work. In essence, experimentation is not just a part of my art practice; it is the heartbeat of my creative process. It keeps my work fresh, dynamic, and full of life, ensuring that every Soulwork I create is a true reflection of my artistic journey.

The human figure, with its sincerity and raw beauty, has always captivated me. In my creations, I intertwine elements of nature and animals with the human form to emphasize the interconnectedness that binds us all.

Hari Lualhati

Hari Lualhati’s dedication to expressing her deepest feelings through her work not only highlights her creative evolution but also emphasizes the universal emotions we all share. Her passion for experimenting and her goal of connecting with others through art make her story both inspiring and relatable. Hari’s Soulworks reminds us that art is a powerful medium for conveying the essence of our experiences and values. To learn more about Hari, click on the links below.