Robert Draws – Khoriji’s artistic journey began in Jember, where he transformed his passion for calligraphy and painting into a flourishing business. Today, he owns three art galleries, two in Jember and one in Pamekasan. His unique combination of creativity and business acumen has allowed him to thrive in the competitive art world. Khoriji’s story is one of resilience, as he overcame numerous challenges to build a successful career in the arts, all while staying true to his roots. His work not only captures the essence of calligraphy but also tells the story of a man who never gave up on his dreams.
Born in Madura, Khoriji discovered his love for calligraphy and painting at an early age. His journey in the world of art began in 1995, when he enrolled in a calligraphy training program at Pondok Pesantren Temporan in Tempurejo, Jember. By 1997, he had expanded his skills into the broader realm of visual arts. In addition to formal training, Khoriji sought guidance from a prominent painter from Banyuwangi, Sarwo Prasojo.
After his training, Khoriji returned to his pesantren (Islamic boarding school) and started a small gallery within the school’s business, Galaxy. There, he painted and sold his works. However, his first gallery only lasted until 2005, as he faced difficulties in sustaining the business.
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After his gallery closed, Khoriji moved to Bali, where he lived for three years. During this time, he immersed himself in the world of painting and learned about the business side of the art industry. “I built my market while I was there,” Khoriji explains. His time in Bali helped him expand his artistic network and improve his skills.
Upon returning to Jember, Khoriji decided to start his own business, inspired by the spiritual meaning of Ubud, a famous art hub in Bali. He named his business Ubud Art Gallery, and with the knowledge he had gained, Khoriji’s artistic journey took a new turn. He was determined to create a successful future and share his passion for art with the world.
When Khoriji returned to Jember, he faced a significant challenge: securing the capital needed to start his business. He struggled to get a loan from the bank, and the lack of support from his local community made his dream seem impossible.
However, Khoriji did not give up. A friend eventually lent him Rp 5 million, which he used to rent a small space measuring three by three meters. There, he began painting and selling his works with basic tools. Despite the struggles, Khoriji believed in his ability and continued to push forward, despite others doubting his prospects.
“I felt like I had my father’s artistic talent and my mother’s business skills,” he says, reflecting on his motivation.
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Khoriji’s business slowly began to grow. He eventually moved into a larger space and expanded his offerings. In addition to paintings, Khoriji began selling photo frames and other related items. Today, his gallery and business have expanded significantly. Khoriji now owns three stores—two in Jember and one in Pamekasan—and the business continues to thrive.
During the pandemic, his business experienced unexpected growth, as people spent more time at home and sought ways to decorate their spaces. Even in the politically charged environment of 2024, when business was affected, Khoriji’s art sales rebounded quickly. During the Ramadan season, the sales saw a significant increase, with sales growing by 30%.
One of the key factors behind Khoriji’s success is the unique combination of his artistic skills and business acumen. His ability to paint high-quality works of art while running a successful business sets him apart from others in the industry. Khoriji’s customers range from individuals who provide concepts for his paintings to those who commission original pieces. He does it all—from creating the art to managing the business.
“Some clients give me a concept, while others leave the entire creation to me,” Khoriji says. This adaptability has allowed his business to flourish, attracting a broad range of customers.
For Khoriji, the key to success in Khoriji’s Artistic Journey lies in a strong will and constant prayer. He believes that having determination and staying focused on your goals, even when times are tough, is essential for success. His story of perseverance and dedication is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, no matter the obstacles.
Today, Khoriji’s paintings range from affordable pieces priced at Rp 300,000 to more expensive ones worth millions of Rupiah. His success shows that with hard work, dedication, and the right blend of talent and business acumen, it is possible to transform a passion into a thriving enterprise.
