Yusuf fetes old Banten

JAKARTA (JP): Artist Yusuf Susilo Hartono has long been interested in Banten, located on the western coast of Java.

"Banten once enjoyed a golden age, and its influence was even felt overseas before it suffered a decline," the 42-year-old journalism veteran said of the newly designated province.

His idea to depict the Banten of today and its ties to the past was realized with 27 works, including 10 acrylics on canvas and 17 black-and-white sketches. He completed the works, including Masjid Banten (Banten Grand Mosque), which is pictured at left, during the Islamic fasting month last year.

The show Steps of Banten's Glory will be held from Thursday to Saturday at Hotel Sol Elite Marbella, Anyer, Banten. A gathering and seminar of public figures from Banten will be held in conjunction with the show. (brc)