Robert Draws – Rendi Tatalede’s art is a living testament to how creativity can turn the simplest things into extraordinary works. As a barber and portrait sketch artist from Minahasa, Indonesia, Rendi found a new way to express his talent using a medium no one expected — leftover hair. What started as a moment of improvisation quickly grew into a unique signature style that now captures the attention of people far beyond his local barbershop. Each of his portraits, made entirely from hair trimmings, portrays the likeness of world-famous figures with surprising realism. His works have been widely shared on social media platforms, drawing admiration and amazement from netizens who cannot believe that such detailed art can come from discarded salon waste. With his growing recognition, Rendi now balances both his hair-cutting services and custom portrait requests. The materials may be unconventional, but the results speak volumes about imagination and skill.
The idea behind Rendi Tatalede’s art came unexpectedly during a routine day at his barbershop. Having run out of sketch paper after drawing portraits for his customers, he looked down at the pile of trimmed hair on the floor. Rather than pause his creative flow, Rendi gathered the hair and began experimenting. That spontaneous act evolved into a full-fledged artistic method that sets him apart from traditional artists. Rendi shared that before using hair, he would sketch clients directly onto paper after their haircut. When the paper supply ran out, the scattered hair sparked a vision in his mind. He realized hair is a resource that never runs out in his line of work. From that moment, portraits began to take shape from hair instead of pencil or ink. The transformation from limitation to innovation inspired many who followed his journey online.
What many see as waste, Rendi turns into a source of both artistic expression and financial gain. His hair portraits now sell for prices ranging from 300 thousand rupiah up to 5 million, depending on the surface used and the complexity of the work. Pieces made directly on the barbershop floor are priced lower, while those arranged on wooden boards or framed canvases are valued higher. Though Rendi began this art form out of necessity, it quickly became a sought-after specialty. Clients from various regions now request custom portraits, and some even preserve the artworks as conversation pieces. His talent has been spotlighted not only by internet users but also by local media. While many passive viewers admire from afar, active supporters have placed orders and encouraged him to continue. Through this, Rendi has carved out a rare niche in the world of modern visual arts.
Hair as a medium is not new, but Rendi has elevated it with personality and storytelling. Every strand is placed with precision, and each portrait tells more than a likeness — it reflects cultural relevance and emotional depth. As a form of sustainable art, his work opens up new discussions about reuse and value. With Rendi’s rise to fame, other creatives are also exploring alternative materials for artistic expression. Workshops and exhibitions are beginning to take interest in this unique approach. Though not widely institutionalized, hair art is gaining traction as more people discover Rendi’s story. The portraits are often based on well-known public figures, and reactions from viewers tend to be emotional and amazed. While some artworks have been preserved by collectors, others are temporary by nature — existing just long enough to be photographed and admired.
Rendi’s growing popularity hints at a future where unconventional materials play a bigger role in the art world. His story is especially resonant in an age where sustainability and originality are increasingly valued. As more artists search for eco-friendly solutions, Rendi’s method serves as inspiration and proof that artistry has no boundaries. While he continues to offer haircuts as his primary livelihood, commissions for his art keep coming. His journey reflects the blend of traditional skills with modern creative risk. The possibility of international exhibitions or collaborations is being considered, especially as his social media presence expands. Through his consistent passion and bold experimentation, Rendi has shown that even the most overlooked material can be used to make art that moves people.
