How do artists balance abstraction and realism in rattan figurative works?

Artists working with rattan figurative pieces face the unique challenge of balancing abstraction and realism to create compelling works. Abstraction allows for creative freedom, emphasizing shapes, textures, and emotions, while realism grounds the piece in recognizable forms. Many artists achieve this balance by using rattan's natural flexibility to suggest movement or fluidity, while carefully crafting details like facial expressions or body postures to anchor the work in reality. Techniques such as selective detailing—where key features are rendered realistically while other elements remain stylized—help bridge the two styles. The interplay of light and shadow on rattan’s woven surface further enhances this duality. Ultimately, the artist’s intent guides the equilibrium, whether leaning toward symbolic abstraction or lifelike representation, resulting in dynamic and thought-provoking rattan artworks.