about us
Small Is Big - October 2006
A Collection of Rusli's artworks from 1953 to 1978
"Small is Big, small is beautiful and impeccable"
"We must become small to become great, including in our creation of artworks."
Rusli, born in Medan (1916 - 2005 ) with abundant philosophies, was a national hero during Indonesian independence period and an independent artist when producing his artworks.
He was consistent in imposing his painting style since 1938, after 6 years graduating from School of Art Kala Bhavana Shantiniken University of Rabindranath Tagore, India.
Umar Kayam, a respectable writer, named Rusli's works as impressionism Haiku - a few words but indeed very meaningful; they are not easy to digest and not widely recognized.
Despite of this, Rusli never became disappointed or admonished the public because the ultimate goal of his works was to achieve perfection in life, with humbleness and modesty.
He apprehended that his work of arts were created before the time when the public could understand. It is why he is marked as an Avant-Garde painter.
Rusli was proficient in the water colour technique, brushing soft tone colours with the background of white canvas, as the translation of the absolute universe.
He used singular approach for the colors and forms, to show the emptiness which is often found in the Chinese and Japanese paintings.
The limited strokes carried abundant substance. He expressed his many days of observation and insight of the soul of the object or nature with his simple and spontaneous strokes.
Mountain - 1953
Emptiness and simplicity was not found only in his works, but also in his personal life. Rusli, who was on the same level as other Indonesian master such as Affandi, who was an expressionist, like was born during a different era.
Consequently, he became an introvert and solitaire person, even for the collectors who did not really know him, he was often considered arrogant.
On the contrary however, he had a soft and sensitive feeling even though his outward appearance made him appeared to own a strong character and against commercialism of art works.
It was not rich and popularity that he yearned for in life; his existence was not as "paramount" as other artists, but a perfection in working for arts and pronounced positive value to human being was something that he emphasized.
Rusli's great works were not missed by the International experts as he was invited to Biennale II Sao Paolo, Brazil in 1953 and exhibitions in Den Haag, Rome and Amsterdam in 1954 and 1955.
After Rusli's departure in April 2005, we attempt to nurture his enthusiasm and his spirit in paintings by opening his journey of life and exhibit his water colour works of 25 years from 1953 to 1978.
In the 21st century of modern and contemporary period; in the architecture, interior design and all other artworks such as paintings, minimalist style becomes a trend which is inevitable. Therefore, it is time now that the works of Avant-Garde Rusli which were started 60 years ago are to be appreciated and eminent.
