October 2007
Aryaseni’s first show @ ARTSingapore
This year marks Aryaseni’s third year since its inception in Singapore and it is just the ripe time to showcase our artist’s paintings for the first time at ARTSingapore 2007. We specially selected four emerging artists who are uniquely talented in their own ways, imbuing an eclectic perspective into contemporary Indonesian art today.
I Wayan Sudiarta’s traditional Balinese paintings with a thoughtful contemporary touch are rooted in dance and music that he choreographs into magnificent movements filled with vivid energy. As a young and dynamic artist, Sudiarta primarily preserves his culture and develops this further bringing his works into the 21st century. The spirit of Balinese dance and music never leave his works at the same time the composition of form, colour and texture are given a contemporary breath of fresh air.
On the other end of the spectrum, Gusti Alit Cakra has his own niche in pure abstract paintings. His works are composed with profound emotion that he transfers onto the canvas with indigenous materials and colours. His distinctive character is reflected in the unique shapes and fascinating compositions that come straight from his deepest consciousness. He adopts one or two bright colours as an accent to his monochromatic works and institutes vigorous volume and space. His ‘architectural’ works invite the audience to travel and experiment deeper into his new realm of abstract language.
Canadian artist Rod Knudslien came to Bali, fell in love and has been based in this mythical island since 2002. With a gentle swipe of his brush and water colour painting techniques, Rod’s disciplined control of vibrant colours bring to life enchanting figures and the sweet melody of nature. With acute aesthetics and distinctive dedication to quality, he pours out his passion with strong influences of Cubism. He forms perfect contrast between light and shadow playing with a perspective that is Rod’s free-spirited self. His bright, harmonious colours reminiscent of David Hockney emanates warmth and evidently the charms of the Balinese peoples.
On the other side of the fence is Daniel Kho, an Indonesian artist making waves in Germany. Daniel who is based in Cologne, feels that life playfully moves one’s thoughts thus images float through his mind in a continuous unrest towards multiple directions. His East-meets-West works are most evident in his modernised Wayang Kulit or traditional Indonesian shadow puppets that come with Anglicised names such as Gustav and Linschen. These modern shadow puppets central to Indonesia’s culture, even have tattoos on their body!
These are testimony to the myriad temperament of Indonesian art that withstands the ever-changing landscape of globalisation yet makes its mark in the world with a song that Indonesia resonates finest.
April - May 2007
The Aryaseni brings Indonesian Art to Europe
The Aryaseni Art Gallery brought the paintings of emerging Indonesian artists to Cologne, Germany for an exhibition titled Zeitgenössische Indonesische Kunst (Indonesian Art Now) from 27 to 29 April 2007. With the help of artist Daniel Kho, Elisabeth Becker and Karl Mertes, the chief of the German-Indonesian Association, the exhibition was held in Alte Feuerwache, an art venue located in an old city and cultural hub of Cologne.
Many German art lovers were intrigued with the rich heritage and different culture from Indonesia. The exotic faces of people from a faraway land coming to life on canvas, traditional rickshaw in colour and batik clad women were popular among the art lovers. The paintings caught the attention of world famous batik collector Rudolf Smend so much that he requested for the exhibition to be extended to his gallery. The artworks were displayed at the Smend Gallery until 14 May 2007.
With the help of Italian artists Lisa Borgiani and Massimo Nidini, The Aryaseni held another exhibition in Verona, Italy from 5 to 19 May 2007. The exhibition Indonesian Art Today: Re-Exploring Culture was held at the Church of Saint Maria in Chiavica, a haven for art seminars. In the romantic old town of Verona famed for Juliet’s balcony that was featured in the 1968 Franco Zeffirelli movie and its signature cobbled stone walkways, Indonesian art came to say hello for the first time.
Supported by the Verona Town Council, this exhibition was officially opened by Dott. Giancarlo Montagnoli, the President of the Comune di Verona. Balinese calendars made from palm tree were presented as souvenirs to the Town Council members at the exhibition.
The Aryaseni’s Director Mr Cosmas Gozali, who is an art connoisseur and collector, gave a talk on interesting stories about the artists with the guests. In return, the excited guests went on stage to share their views on their favourites among the artworks. In a review published in the Verona-Arena newspaper, the paintings were described as ‘inexplicable symbols’, ‘minimal expressions of nature’ and ‘meticulous love and priceless tradition’.
This exchange brought about an understanding of how contemporary Indonesian art has retained its roots while some of this country’s artworks speak a universal language that transcends borders.
It was a fascinating dialogue between East and West, pondering on the colourful diversity of 21st century Indonesian art.
These are some of the heartfelt comments from our guestbook:
Congratulations to all of you! In particular to Sudiarta, Suklu and Gusti Alit Cakra because their fantastic and beautiful art works allowed me to know and appreciate some really NICE paintings.
- Maria Spinelli, 8.5.2007
Great artists! I like the wonderful KAMIL, beautiful. Congratulations for the colours and for what they communicate to people
- Alessia, 19.5.2007
Congratulations. SUDIARTA paintings bring a world full of hope. You are great.
- Antonio, 19.5.2007
I like the many layers of colours by Marsoyo. Brings me lovely memories of my childhood!
- Sophia, 19.5.2007
With such ardent enthusiasm, The Aryaseni plans to hold regular exhibitions in Europe in future.