In memory of modern fine art pioneer<\/p>\n
Matdon, Contributor, Bandung<\/p>\n
A solo exhibition titled In Memory of Redha Sorana Sunarko's
\nArt Journey is on at Jakarta's National Gallery until April 13,
\n2002. It is held in observance of the artist's death on March 9,
\n2001.<\/p>\n
This exhibition is on because Redha was an icon who will never
\nbe forgotten in the art world. Redha was among the pioneers of
\nIndonesia's modern visual art movement.<\/p>\n
Critics and modern art enthusiasts turned to him when he
\nstirred controversy with his exhibition What Personality? in
\nYogyakarta's Sono Gallery in October, 1977. The event remains a
\nhot topic among senior painters.<\/p>\n
In the same year, together with artist Slamet Riyadi, Redha
\ncaused a commotion at the Indonesian Fine Arts Academy (ASRI) in
\nYogyakarta when they held an exhibition without an official
\npermit.<\/p>\n
He wrapped statues by Katamsi, the founder of ASRI, and the
\nwhole campus with white clothes and newspaper. This was a brand
\nnew art form at the time, combining the esthetics of graphic art
\nand installation work, which has become increasingly popular
\namong young art enthusiasts. Redha is widely recognized as the
\npioneer of this performance art.<\/p>\n
These are just some of things that have immortalized Redha.<\/p>\n
The exhibition at the National Gallery is the continuation of
\na previous one held from March 9 through March 23, 2002 at Galeri
\nR-66 on Jl. RE Martadinata in Bandung.<\/p>\n
Redha's solo exhibitions have been held to fulfill the wish he
\ncherished since 1999 when he toiled to meet his ambitious hopes
\nbut died before he could see them materialized. In remembrance of
\nhis perseverance, his wife, Marliatie R Sorana, organized the
\nexhibition.<\/p>\n
On display are many of his drawings, ceramics and statues.
\nVisual data and text concerning activities during his lifetime
\nare also presented in the form of articles published in the mass
\nmedia, photos and videos.<\/p>\n
Redha's art is easily recognized by his admirers. His favorite
\nobjects include fish, horse and the menong doll. They are found
\nin his paintings and graphic works.<\/p>\n
As a painter, Redha played a very important role in the
\ndevelopment of the country's modern art. He was born in Bandung
\non Aug. 14, 1952. Between 1976 and 2000, he held three to five
\nsolo or joint exhibitions every year in major cities. He once
\nexhibited his art in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
His art is so rich in novelty that he surprised arts critics
\nespecially in Bandung and Yogyakarta every time he held an
\nexhibition. Of particular interest are his installation works,
\nwhich were considered something new.<\/p>\n
Painter Diyanto said that the Yogyakarta style was very
\nobvious in Redha's works between the 1980s and the early 1990s,
\nperhaps, because the painter had lived in Yogyakarta for quite
\nsome time and completed his education at ASRI there. Take for
\nexample the menong dolls, horse and fish, which became his
\ntrademark and are now the most sought after by his admirers.<\/p>\n
The painter was inspired by ceramic arts and wooden dolls,
\nwhich are popular among Javanese children.<\/p>\n
Several years before his death, when the country had just bore
\nthe brunt of the economic crisis, Redha produced small paintings
\nto be bartered for rice, which was then distributed to the poor
\nin his neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Redha was well-known for his commitment to humanitarian
\nactivities through the arts.<\/p>\n
-- Redha's exhibition is running through to April 13 at the
\nNational Gallery on Jl. Merdeka Timur 14, Central Jakarta. It is
\nopen daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m..<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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