In memory of modern fine art pioneer

In memory of modern fine art pioneer

Matdon, Contributor, Bandung

A solo exhibition titled In Memory of Redha Sorana Sunarko's
Art Journey is on at Jakarta's National Gallery until April 13,
2002. It is held in observance of the artist's death on March 9,
2001.

This exhibition is on because Redha was an icon who will never
be forgotten in the art world. Redha was among the pioneers of
Indonesia's modern visual art movement.

Critics and modern art enthusiasts turned to him when he
stirred controversy with his exhibition What Personality? in
Yogyakarta's Sono Gallery in October, 1977. The event remains a
hot topic among senior painters.

In the same year, together with artist Slamet Riyadi, Redha
caused a commotion at the Indonesian Fine Arts Academy (ASRI) in
Yogyakarta when they held an exhibition without an official
permit.

He wrapped statues by Katamsi, the founder of ASRI, and the
whole campus with white clothes and newspaper. This was a brand
new art form at the time, combining the esthetics of graphic art
and installation work, which has become increasingly popular
among young art enthusiasts. Redha is widely recognized as the
pioneer of this performance art.

These are just some of things that have immortalized Redha.

The exhibition at the National Gallery is the continuation of
a previous one held from March 9 through March 23, 2002 at Galeri
R-66 on Jl. RE Martadinata in Bandung.

Redha's solo exhibitions have been held to fulfill the wish he
cherished since 1999 when he toiled to meet his ambitious hopes
but died before he could see them materialized. In remembrance of
his perseverance, his wife, Marliatie R Sorana, organized the
exhibition.

On display are many of his drawings, ceramics and statues.
Visual data and text concerning activities during his lifetime
are also presented in the form of articles published in the mass
media, photos and videos.

Redha's art is easily recognized by his admirers. His favorite
objects include fish, horse and the menong doll. They are found
in his paintings and graphic works.

As a painter, Redha played a very important role in the
development of the country's modern art. He was born in Bandung
on Aug. 14, 1952. Between 1976 and 2000, he held three to five
solo or joint exhibitions every year in major cities. He once
exhibited his art in the Netherlands.

His art is so rich in novelty that he surprised arts critics
especially in Bandung and Yogyakarta every time he held an
exhibition. Of particular interest are his installation works,
which were considered something new.

Painter Diyanto said that the Yogyakarta style was very
obvious in Redha's works between the 1980s and the early 1990s,
perhaps, because the painter had lived in Yogyakarta for quite
some time and completed his education at ASRI there. Take for
example the menong dolls, horse and fish, which became his
trademark and are now the most sought after by his admirers.

The painter was inspired by ceramic arts and wooden dolls,
which are popular among Javanese children.

Several years before his death, when the country had just bore
the brunt of the economic crisis, Redha produced small paintings
to be bartered for rice, which was then distributed to the poor
in his neighborhood.

Redha was well-known for his commitment to humanitarian
activities through the arts.

-- Redha's exhibition is running through to April 13 at the
National Gallery on Jl. Merdeka Timur 14, Central Jakarta. It is
open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m..