Totok, as I usually call him, whose full name is Totok Hadiyanto Kuswadji or Aryo Marwoto H., lives in Kadipaten Wetan, Ndalem Mangkubumen Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Since childhood, Totok has enjoyed drawing. It seems that this passion for drawing has been nurtured from a young age and continues to this day. This artistic talent was inherited from his father, Kuswadji Kawindrasusanto, a renowned batik artist. Totok was trained in drawing by his father and grew up to become a batik artist at Seni Sono, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

From a young age, in 1973, Totok exhibited batik art at Seni Sono, Yogyakarta, alongside his father. Since then, he has continued to exhibit, both in group shows and solo exhibitions in various galleries, not only in Yogyakarta but also in Belgium.

In his artistic journey, Totok has not only painted batik but also used canvas as a medium. He continues to work on both types of art to this day. Despite the decline in batik art practice among many contemporary artists, especially younger ones, Totok still actively creates batik art. While many of his senior batik artists have passed away, Totok continues to carry on the tradition of batik.

Totok's batik artworks are vibrant and often appear abstract, which captivates viewers. His batik art seems like painting on canvas with colorful paints. Totok has his own formula for creating batik art, which ensures that his works remain durable over time. Unlike traditional batik art that tends to fade, Totok’s batik art maintains its vibrancy much like canvas paintings.

For Totok, batik art and canvas painting represent "two worlds" that are inseparable. He cannot choose between the two; he continues to practice both, as each allows him to express himself in different ways. Therefore, he still diligently works on both mediums, even as many batik artists have stopped or faded away. In 2024, Totok remains one of the few batik artists who continues to create and exhibit batik art in public spaces.

Exhibitions :

1. 1973: Sono Budoyo Yogyakarta (exhibited alongside his father's works)
2. 1974: Seni Sono Yogyakarta (exhibited alongside his father's works)
3. 1975: France (exhibited alongside his father's works)
4. 1976: Australia (exhibited alongside his father's works)
5. 1976: Solo exhibition at Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta
6. 1977: Group exhibition at Hotel Indonesia, Jakarta
7. 1979: Solo exhibition at Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta
8. 1979: Batik Canting Emas exhibition at Purnabudaya, Yogyakarta
9. 1985: Solo exhibition in the Netherlands
10. 1987: Group exhibition with Belgian painters in Belgium
11. 1990: Painting exhibition at the Yogyakarta Arts Festival
12. 1994: Painting exhibition at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta
13. 2000: Solo exhibition in Jerusalem
14. 2008: Painting exhibition at Tembi, Jakarta
15. 2008: Solo exhibition in Jerusalem
16. 2008: Solo exhibition in Congo