Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary

JAKARTA (JP): Highlighting the 49th anniversary of
Indonesia's independence, Edwin's Gallery holds a ten-day
exhibition to last until Sunday evening, presenting realistic,
surrealistic, expressionistic and abstract works of 49 local
painters.

The exhibition, called Gema Empat Sembilan, which literally
means "The Echo of Forty Nine", is designed to reflect the
development of Indonesian painting since independence.

With varying styles and themes the 49 artists -- with Arie
Smit, 78, a Dutch born painter being the oldest and Melodia, 27,
the youngest -- have evidently enriched the country's artistic
treasures in its 49 years of independence.

Painting, like any other artistic creation, is also a medium
of communication. Although not a single painting in the
exhibition depicts the revolutionary years of Indonesia's
independence, the works of the artists have nevertheless
portrayed the endless struggle of the Indonesian people towards a
better future.

Social justice, human rights, poverty and environmental
degradation are topical issues which have come to the fore and
have been keenly observed by the artists and have been chosen as
subjects of their paintings.

Hence, to mention just a few, one can see Renungan 94 or
"Contemplation of 94" by Soetjipto Adi, which, done
surrealistically, delineates a boy near an intricate structure
trying to touch a human hand while a woman figure lies asleep,
unaware of her surroundings. Or Rudolf G Usman's Blue Forest
which reminds one of the danger of deforestation and
environmental damage. The dark bluish color used by Usman
obviously helps create a gloomy atmosphere of the forest.

Apart from such melancholia, there are also pieces which
depict joys and great hopes for prosperity, such as reflected in
Tio Tjay's Tandjidor, a band of musicians which are typically
Jakarta's. The colorful dress of the musicians and the bright
yellow hues in the background strongly personifies their hopes
and teamwork spirit.

With a large variety of subjects depicting the country's
development, urban scenes and rural lives, the exhibition has
thus presented a colorful picture of Indonesia which connoisseurs
may want to see.

Also the works of renowned painters like Abas Alibasyah, A.D.
Pirous, Barli, Dede Eri Supria and Nyoman Gunarsa, can also be
seen in this exhibition, held in one of Jakarta's reputable art
galleries, in Jl. Kemang Raya 21.

-- Oei Eng Goan