Modern artist inspired by village life

Modern artist inspired by village life

By Tuti Gintini

JAKARTA (JP): Only a few Indonesian painters are willing to
stay in their hometowns or villages while pursuing robust
artistic careers.

One of those rare artists is Iwan Koeswana, a painter who
decided to live in the outlying village of Cipedes in
Tasikmalaya, West Java, far from the hustle and bustle of the
urban art glitterati.

For Iwan, living in a quiet and remote village does not
necessarily hamper his creativity. Iwan is as prolific and
creative as ever, working on new art projects and displaying his
creations in galleries in Indonesia's big cities, as well as
overseas.

Born in Tasikmalaya, the 40 year old studied fine art at
Yogyakarta's Arts High School from l976 to l980 and at the
Jakarta Arts Institute from 1981 to 1983. He continued his
education at the Jan Van Ejck Akademie in Maastricht in the
Netherlands from l984 to 1986. Upon his return to Indonesia, Iwan
decided to live in his home village.

Iwan, who attended the ASEAN Youth Painting Workshop, is
currently displaying about 33 of his works from l997 to 2000
under the theme The Mystery of Modern Art at the Cemara Galeri
here, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 17.

The enormous influence of world-class painters like Pablo
Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee and Henri
Matisse on Indonesian painters and the great admiration of
Indonesian people toward these famous artists remains a mystery
to Iwan.

"I feel so curious as to why we create art under the influence
of such big names? I keep searching for the answer," Iwan said.

He tirelessly explores and reconstructs the works of noted
painters. For instance, he tried to repaint Van Gogh's Sunflowers
and local painter Affandi's work on the same subject. Iwan
discovered a striking similarity in terms of color choice and
techniques.

He pointed out that Affandi might have imitated Van Gogh's
color gradation techniques and brushstrokes in Sunflowers.

"I would like to see the genuine works of Indonesian painters.
Instead, I have seen such a strong influence of foreign artists
on the works of our artists."

Iwan acknowledged that, like other Indonesian artists, he is
still searching for his own identity. "I try again and again to
find my own style and individuality," he maintained.

By deeply exploring and studying the works of noted painters,
Iwan attempts to analyze, compare, correct, question and
contemplate them.

Denim

Iwan is now experimenting with brushstrokes on unusual media
-- pieces of blue jeans. He painted a Van Gogh style of
Sunflowers, and other famous artists' works, on denim. "This is
part of my endeavor to find my identity."

After searching for years, Iwan has emerged as a restless
personality. He moves from one theme to another, using a variety
of media and techniques.

According to Acep Zamzam Noor, Iwan has a tendency to ponder
his artistic life and at the same time study the development of
Indonesian fine art.

For his current exhibition, Iwan delved into the history of
the past, studying the works of Van Gogh, Picasso, Mondrian and
others.

Searching for his Indonesian identity poses a great challenge
for Iwan. He is still dissatisfied with the development of
Indonesian fine art from the period of S. Sudjojono, Affandi and
Nashar, particularly if compared to Chinese artists.

He said people would recognize Chinese identity and Chinese
art elements when a Chinese artist displayed his or her work to
the public, and the work of Indian artists. India has a very
specific style of dance, music and movies that is easily
attributable to Indian culture.

Modern art from the West has influenced the works of
Indonesian artists, from pioneer Raden Saleh to contemporary
artists like Dede Eri Supria. This influence also penetrates
other forms of art, ranging from the design of household items,
housing, fashion and city planning.

There is, of course, an exception. Some Balinese artists, like
Nyoman Gunarsa, have been faithful in adhering to their local
sources. Gunarsa's local colors, he said, were vividly felt and
so distinguished amid the more globalized art influences.

Living in such a distant place has given Iwan a lot of time to
explore, search and create. He has succeeded in boosting his own
artistic enthusiasm amid a less appreciative community.

"At least there are some villagers who gather frequently and
formed a unique art community," Iwan said, adding that they
regularly hold discussions on music, theater and fine art.

Iwan also maintains his network with Jakarta artists and sells
his works at local and overseas art galleries.

Iwan is reaching maturity. Since l983, he has traveled to
European countries, working at the European Ceramic Center and
the Den Bosch ceramic work center in l992. He has displayed his
works at prestigious galleries and museums, including, among
others, the Tropen Museum in Amsterdam and the Jan Van Ejck
Akademie Maastricht.