ABOUT
My name is Nora Tunggadevi, and I am a disabled multimedia artist based in Toronto. My work explores a wide range of media techniques, from traditional arts and nail art to crochet, programming, and robotics. I’m passionate about creating in various artistic methods to challenge myself and the way the public views disability, while highlighting my life as a disabled artist through creative self-expression and exploration.
Currently, I am studying at OCAD University, working towards my Honours Bachelor of Design in Digital Futures with a minor in Science. My academic journey allows me to explore the way design, technology, and art, can be combined to be used as a powerful tool for exploration and individuality.
As an artist, my goal is to challenge public’s perceptions about disability and create art that fosters empathy, inspirational, and empowering to those who are also living with disabilities. Through my work, I aim to show my unique perspective on the experiences of disabled individuals.
The Inspiration behind My Creative Journey
Born with Muscular Dystrophy, I have been a wheelchair user my entire life. My disability has inspired me to explore both the arts and computer science from a young age.
As a child living in Jakarta, Indonesia, I was often excluded from playing with other children. This led me to find ways to entertain myself, starting with drawing and painting.
When I moved to Toronto, Canada, my curiosity in the arts expanded to other disciplines, such as nail art and computer science in terms of web developing and game design.
Over the years, my art has evolved alongside me as I continue to explore different media. Most recently, I’ve taught myself how to crochet, create beaded bracelets, and experiment with mixed media.
I fell in love with making art because it has been a way for me to cope with loneliness and the challenges of living with Muscular Dystrophy. It has taught me to focus on life’s positives and persevere through difficulties.
I maintain an open mind when it comes to learning and experimenting with different forms of visual art, both digitally/technologically and traditionally.
timeline
March 2024 - Commissioned by the Consulate General of Indonesia in Toronto to create a family portrait gouache painting for the ambassador of Consulate General of Indonesia Ottawa for their farewell event.
February 2024 - Salam Indonesia, a television broadcast program, commissioned portrait works to be given to the ambassador of Consulate General of Indonesia in Ottawa as their farewell gifts. It was featured at the end of Salam Indonesia's "Episode 29 – Kabar Dari Ottawa: Farewell Bapak Duta Besar!"
November 2024 – June 2025 – Collaborated as a guest artist at Park Lane Public School and Allenby Junior Public School in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to create various creative arts programs for both non-disabled students and students with developmental disabilities.
November 2024 - Interviewed by Salam Indonesia, a television broadcast program, to talk about my life and my art. My episode (Ep. 15 - Unstoppable Dreams: Nora's Journey) was regarded the best and most inspirational by the Salam Indonesia team.
November 2024 – Gave a closing speech at City Hall for the presentations on Arts, Culture, and Community Resilience.
July 2024 - Portrait artworks were commissioned by the Consulate General of Indonesia in Toronto for a staff farewell event.
June 2024 – Started an at-home press-on nails business.
May 2024 – Solo art show at Toronto Public Library (Albion branch), featuring a month-long exhibition of portrait drawings & paintings, crochet, and nail art.
2022 - Present – Worked with my father, Heru Setijawan, as a teaching assistant at UPN, Indonesia, for a class on Intro to Web Programming (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) and 3D design.
2021 - Present – Working on finishing my Honours Bachelor of Design and Science minor at OCAD University.
2021 - 2024 – Volunteered to help the Yearbook Design Class at my old high school as an alumni editor and consultant.
2021 – Entered the Digital Futures Program at OCAD University.
2021 – Graduated from high school with Honours, Yearbook Certificate of Merit, and Visual Arts Award.
2020 & 2021 – Had two of my paintings featured in the EDGE Youth Art Show at Artscape Youngplace.
2017 – Graduated from Middle School with Honours and received the Visual Arts Award.
