Two artists explore world of black and white<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): What is the last day for the caterpillar is
\nperhaps the beginning of a new life for the butterfly. And what
\nseems to be simplistic in ignoring the use of color and expensive
\noil paints is perhaps the depth of belief in the power of black
\nand white.<\/p>\n
The ongoing exhibition Hitam Putih (Black White) by artists
\nSlamet Pujiono and Harijadi is the most recent wave to wash up on
\nthe shores of the art world -- drenching art lovers in yet
\nanother undiluted explosion of rich Indonesian talent.<\/p>\n
The two Javanese artists settled on the island of Bali and
\nbegan using the simple medium of pen on paper to unleash their
\nart. Almost all the artworks on display are not more than 30 cm
\nin size and share Balinese themes. While art is associated with
\ncolor, Slamet Pudjiono and Harijadi have done away with that
\nassociative notion quite efficiently with just a pen, some ink
\nand paper in their drawings.<\/p>\n
Both artists share a similar style, incorporating black dots
\nand lines varying in intensity to portray the depth of shadow and
\ntexture of surface. With a mastery of contrast, Slamet and
\nHarijadi have created simple everyday Balinese scenes bathed in
\nsunlight with shadows and restive shades creating magical
\ncontrasts. Undeterred by the absence of the powerful tool of
\ncolor, these two artists have indeed done away altogether with
\nthe need for any color with the mastery of detail.<\/p>\n
The choice of theme and subject matter also seems to bind both
\nthe artists seamlessly in depicting everyday still life objects,
\nsuch as temple offerings ready for prayer, the intrinsic Balinese
\nin spirit scenes such as statues, temples and black-and-white
\ncheckered cloth tied around the stone temple base, or the
\nomnipotent banyan tree, such as in Akar Beringin, and Ketongan.<\/p>\n
Staying away from sociopolitical issues that seem to be
\ndominating the works of artists as well as the tumultuous quick
\nstyle of today, Slamet and Harijadi concentrate on repose and
\ncalm and a quiet expressing the spirit and totality of the artist
\nitself.<\/p>\n
Art critic Ipong Purnama Sidhi calls their artworks valuable
\ndocumentation material, especially sudut pagar, rumah garam I and
\nII, Pura Sembahyang. The Balinese architecture of houses and
\ntemples are expressed in fine detail, offering valuable
\ndocumentation for historians. (Pavan Kapoor)<\/p>\n
The exhibition is at Andi Gallery, Jl. Tanah Abang IV\/14,
\nCentral Jakarta, until April 7.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/two-artists-explore-world-of-black-and-white-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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