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..