Denikirang

Deni Kirang: Every Diorama Has a Story—Even If It Doesn’t Tell One

Since 2017, Deni Kirang has been bringing miniature worlds to life—not just with buildings or cars, but with atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling. “To me, a diorama isn’t just something big made small,” he shared. “There’s a story inside, even if it’s never told. There’s a feeling inside, even if it’s never spoken.”

That approach defines Deni’s work. His dioramas are not just scenes—they’re moments frozen in time.

⛽ The First Build: A Shell Gas Station

Deni’s first-ever diorama was a Shell gas station, built entirely by hand in 1:43 scale with a 90x90 cm base. Everything—from the building to the fuel dispensers to the tiny human figures—was manually crafted. It was the kind of project that tested both patience and passion, and it laid the foundation for what came next.

📚 No Art School—Just Experience

Like many in the diorama world, Deni has no formal background in art, design, or engineering. “I’m completely self-taught,” he said. “It all came from experience and sharing with other makers.”

Over time, his materials evolved. In the beginning, it was recycled items like cardboard, plywood, and foam. Now, with better access to tools like laser cutting and 3D printing, things are more efficient—but the handmade spirit remains at the heart of every build.

🧠 From Concept to Completion

Deni’s creative process begins with a concept and a title. “Giving a title helps me stay focused on the core idea,” he explained. From there, it’s about enjoying every step of the process, centimeter by centimeter.

He gravitates toward realistic dioramas, preferring to create lifelike scenes that capture genuine moments—especially when inspired by daily life or local culture.

🎨 Most Memorable Project: Kearifan Lokal (Local Wisdom)

Of all the projects he’s completed, the one that sticks with him the most is titled “Kearifan Lokal” (Local Wisdom), made in 1:87 scale. The diorama captured the peaceful charm of Indonesian village life—quiet, grounded, and full of simplicity. “I could really feel the calm and harmony in that piece,” he recalled.

🛠️ Custom Orders & Collaborations

Yes, Deni accepts custom orders, and he has also collaborated with other creators and brands along the way. His experience in the scene has helped him stay connected to what’s happening in the broader diecast and diorama world.

In fact, he believes diecast and diorama are now inseparable. “They’ve become one complete ecosystem,” he said. “They need each other.”

🇮🇩 What’s Next for Indonesia’s Diorama Scene?

Deni hopes to see the local industry continue to grow and support its artists. “I want to see more big diorama events in Indonesia,” he said. “And I hope this can become a sustainable livelihood for more creators.”

🏙️ His Current Project: Urban Japan

Right now, Deni is working on a massive 150x100 cm diorama—a slice of urban Japan, centered around a scene from the Shibuya crossing. Known for its iconic chaos and human energy, the real-life intersection is one of the busiest in the world. It’s the perfect subject for a diorama built with precision and soul.