Bali, as seen through the eyes of Chinese artist Zhang Xihua
Bali, as seen through the eyes of Chinese artist Zhang Xihua
Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta
Since last November, foreign painters have been exhibiting
their works in Jakarta with Bali as their main theme. It began
with a month-long exhibition, ending on Dec.15, featuring the
works of the late Emilio Ambron of Italy at the National Museum.
Dutchman Paul Husner held a joint show with Indonesia's Abas
Alibasyah at Galeri 678, on Jl. Kemang Raya, South Jakarta, for
two weeks until Dec. 8, 2001.
Back in August, a professor at Amsterdam's National Academy of
Art held a solo show entitled Bali Paul Husner, at Galeri Maxima,
Jl. Arteri Pondok Indah, also in South Jakarta.
In recent days, Zhang Xihua, a Chinese painter residing in
Singapore, has been having his turn. He is displaying his pieces
about daily life in Bali at the Hotel Crowne Plaza. Opened on
Jan. 7 by Stephen Hill, director and Unesco representative, the
exhibition will run until Jan. 17.
Coming from a poor peasant family in Lioning province, Zhang,
an alumni of Lu Xun Academy, became interested in Bali after
discovering much of the Balinese tradition.
He observed all this in a traditional market, which inspired
him to create an array of oil-paintings depicting marketplaces in
various sizes, in a realistic-photographic style. Some have an
impressionist style.
Lighting is an important element in Zhang's collection, as
well as color treatment, depth perspective and the handling of
details.
For unknown reasons, however, people in the market are
portrayed mostly as tight-lipped even though they are engaged in
haggling activities. This can be seen in Pasar Pagi Bali (Bali
Morning Market), 249 x 119 cm, which carries a US$50,000 price
tag.
Apart from the distinctive tradition, the painter, who was
jailed during the period of the cultural revolution, is also
attracted by the art of dancing, though some of his works
presenting Balinese dancers lack the strength of character and at
the same time the depth of understanding of Bali's philosophy of
art.
Zhang paid a 15-day visit to Bali in 1994, but his paintings
of markets and dancers were mostly produced in later years.
Without claiming that more frequent visits to a spot enables
an artist to grasp its spirit, Ambron and Husner have proven that
by mingling with locals for longer periods during their tours and
sojourns, they were capable of understanding the essence rather
than just the face value of Bali's art.
Keen to make further self improvement in painting, Zhang
Xihua, in this first show organized by Louisa Chairil in Jakarta,
displays 65 oil and watercolor paintings, which are generally
"over priced".
In addition to the Balinese theme, he presents portraits of
President Megawati and Vice President Hamzah Haz, and public
figures Rizal Ramli and Rina Ciputra.
There are also pictures of diverse objects and themes turned
out since the 1980s, notably those of Chinese imperial grandeur
including Nuer Ha Chi and His Concubine, affection for peoples of
different races, traditional rites, indigenous attire of China
and India, scenery of the four seasons, animals' struggle for
survival and blossoming bushes.
The warmth of a grandfather's compassion for his grandchild in
Menjelang Upacara (Moments Before a Rite), a 76 x 56 cm
watercolor offered at US$2,000, radiates a spirit that penetrates
the barriers of ethnic origins, races, religions and
nationalities. His watercolors are indeed more impressive.