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.