Alliya described the competition as an initial step into the professional art world. She participated in the event to build her portfolio and support her future career path after graduation. In this competition, her work was evaluated by a panel of national academics and art curators, namely Agung Hujatnikajunong, Venus Lau, and Alia Swastika.

The painting Berpelukan was inspired by philosophical reflections on human relationships, particularly the concept of love for others. The artwork depicts the gesture of embracing as a symbol of relationships, connection, and the formation of self-identity through personal interactions. Alliya also acknowledged the influence of Christine Ay Tjoe, an ITB Fine Arts alumna, particularly in terms of emotional honesty and the expressive strength of line.

Alliya described the work as a deeply personal reflection. She expressed that she had formed many relationships, both within her family and academic life, yet these connections collapsed when the relationships were severed. Through her painting, Alliya revisits those moments as an acknowledgment of vulnerability, while also expressing the human desire to restore lost connections.

From a technical perspective, Alliya employed oil painting on a panoramic canvas measuring 150 x 50 cm. The format was inspired by Japanese roll posters, which allow an entire visual narrative to be presented within a single surface, in contrast to the commonly used triptych format.

During the creative process, Alliya identified the primary challenge as the search for authenticity as a young artist. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the creative process and receiving support from one’s surrounding environment. Support from her family, lecturers, and close peers played a significant role in the completion of the artwork.

Alliya views this achievement as a stepping stone, rather than a final destination. She plans to continue participating in exhibitions and to build sustainable networks within the art community. Through Berpelukan, Alliya seeks to convey a message about self-care and authenticity.

“Embracing is one way of taking care of yourself and getting to know yourself better. As artists, this allows us to develop a clear character and pathway,” she explained.

To fellow Fine Arts students who aspire to pursue a professional career, Alliya shared several insights from her journey:

1. Return to the fundamentals: prioritize the mastery of technical skills and the deepening of artistic concepts. She encourages students to explore other media such as sculpture, intermedia, and theoretical studies to broaden perspectives and enrich visual language.

2. Expand your horizons: take advantage of various courses offered by the university, both within and beyond one’s major.

3. Engage directly with the art field: actively participate in open-call exhibitions, engage in dialogue with fellow artists, and collaborate on projects with lecturers.

To date, Alliya has participated in more than ten exhibitions, reflecting her consistency and strong commitment to exploration within the art world.