Insight into the life of a Indonesian special effects make-up artist: Introducing Cherry Wirawan
Reshaping Terror: A Peek into the Grisly Art of Horror Prosthetics
In the gritty world of the beauty industry, horrific, gore-soaked prosthetics emerge as the eerie counterparts to the glitz and glam—a testament to the darker side of artistic expression. This macabre realm, though relatively quiet, is gaining traction, especially in Indonesia, where it's the dark horse of the cinematic scene. Once a one-man show, the torchbearer of this gruesome profession, Cherry Wirawan, has assembled a formidable team, carving a new niche with unimaginable precision.
One of the latest feathers in their cap is the demon As-Suala in Qodrat 2. This bone-chilling creation was brought into reality through a symphony of blood, sweat, and tears, and above all—teamwork. The artistry behind prosthetics transcends mere visual effects, seeping into the fabric of the audience's psyche, leaving indelible imprints long after the final curtain falls. The thirst for complex storytelling continues to gallop, and so does the hunger for innovation in special effects makeup—an art form poised to take centre stage in Southeast Asia thanks to trailblazers like Cherry who push the boundaries of possibility.
Let's take a peek inside a typical day in Cherry's life, as he unveils the intricate process that turns nightmares into reality.
The Birth of a Monster: Behind the ScenesBefore my gang and I unleash a terrifying spectacle, we first consult with the director and creative team. It all begins with the script—understanding the story and tone—then we gather references and develop concept sketches. Creative inspiration can come from anywhere—be it YouTube, classic films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Jurassic Park, or any other eye-catching visual. Prosthetics have evolved since the early 1900s in the West, and though Indonesia is just starting to catch up, it leaves ample room for reinvention.
With Qodrat 2, we painstakingly crafted As-Suala's visage based on agreed-upon references detailing aspects such as hair texture, colour, facial features, and more. Once I have perfected the reference material, I begin sculpting with clay, taking the final look from concept to reality.
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Special Effects Makeup vs. Regular MakeupSpecial effects makeup artists stand heads and shoulders above their regular makeup counterparts. Why, you ask? Well, for one, we don't just scramble to find our tools and materials at some cosmetics shop. The essentials like cosmetic latex and silicone require dexterity, patience, and painstaking effort to master. But it's not just about the materials—the prosthetics must be hyper-realistic, matching the actor's every color, facial expression, and even eye color perfectly.
Achieving this realism isn't just about how the prosthetics are created—it's also about how they're applied. Regular skincare products like moisturisers might be your best friend every day, but they can deal a fatal blow to prosthetics. To ensure durability and the final look, it's best to steer clear of skincare or prep products altogether.
Life on the Grimy Set: A Day in the LifeFor my current project, I'm engineering replica faces of characters for scenes depicting people getting maimed. The team is divided, with each member focusing on a specific role—some sculpt, some create hair, and so on. It's a collaborative effort.
Working in this intense, often disturbing environment requires a twisted sense of humour to keep sanity intact. One memorable moment was during dinner, where a fake skinned face lay on the table. As someone cracked a joke, "This looks delicious!," we were laughing and gagging simultaneously. Laughter is crucial for surviving in this line of work. Otherwise, the sheer intensity might be too much to handle.
Walking the Tightrope: Navigating the World of HorrorAfter spending an entire day engulfed in horrific, blood-splattered scenes, coming down from the high requires a strategy. I unwind through physical activity—exercising, going for a walk in nature, or spending time with loved ones. However, nothing beats staying grounded when the line between reality and illusion starts to blur. I find solace in my faith, which helps me maintain my equilibrium in the eerie atmosphere.
Visitors to my studio often get chills, as though spirits inhabit the place. Some refuse to enter. But for us, it's just another day of crafting nightmares—another step toward that gruesome masterpiece that will make history.
So, why do I persist? The thrill of originality and the opportunity to bring my visions to life keeps me going. There's no greater pleasure than seeing your work acknowledged as your very own. I’m driven to be different, to challenge conventions. There's no sky-high expectation—just a relentless pursuit of progress. That's my mantra: Just keep evolving.
- In the twisted world of the beauty industry, the grotesque, blood-soaked prosthetics, despite their gruesome nature, are the eerie counterparts to glamour, showcasing a darker side of artistic expression.
- The art of horror prosthetics, while often overlooked, has gained traction, particularly in Indonesia, where it serves as a dark horse in the cinematic scene.
- Collaboration and teamwork are crucial elements in the creation of horrifying prosthetic pieces, as these extend beyond visual effects and imprint themselves deeply within the psyche of the audience.
- Special effects makeup artists, such as Cherry Wirawan, stand out from regular makeup artists due to their mastery over materials like cosmetic latex and silicone, as well as their ability to create hyper-realistic prosthetics that perfectly match an actor's features.
- To maintain the durability and authenticity of prosthetics, it's essential to avoid regular skincare products and prep products during the application process.
- Navigating the terrifying world of horror prosthetics requires a unique sense of humor, physical activity for relaxation, and emotional grounding to maintain a sense of normalcy as the line between reality and illusion becomes increasingly blurred.
