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Lot Essay
Hendra Gunawan was a prolific Indonesian painter who revolutionized the art of his homeland alongside his fellow modernists, Affandi and S.Sudjojono. The rich culture, history and preserved customs of Indonesia formed the basis of Gunawan's works throughout his oeuvre as he explored various waves of modernism. By transforming and recreating ancient traditions and techniques in new representational forms, the artist developed a unique style that was distinctly Indonesian.
Painted in hues of blue with strokes of bright colours, Women and Fruit Seller, conveys a harmonious balance of warm and cool tones. Gunawan's dynamic brushwork dances easily across the canvas, outlining the accentuated curves, slender, elongated limbs and strong side profiles of the women in their traditional Kebayas, bearing features akin to the Indonesian Wayang Kulit puppets. A characteristic of Gunawan's works is his meticulous and thoughtful arrangement of figures in his painting composition. With a simple gesture, touch of the hand or turn of the head, the artist creates a natural connection and interaction between the figures in Women and Fruit Seller. Drawing viewers into conversation, Gunawan places emphasis on relationships, making a statement that women were the foundations that held a community together.
The depiction of women was an important recurring theme for the artist as he continued to document the everyday lives of the women of the nation and their roles within society till the end of his career. His use of vibrant colours and the depiction of ethereal figures illuminates the importance and respect the artist had for the ordinary women of the community, as he celebrated their contributions to the nation through his work. An exceptional work from Gunawan's mature period in his career, Women and Fruit Seller, exudes the artist's love for his homeland and his passion for the arts.
Painted in hues of blue with strokes of bright colours, Women and Fruit Seller, conveys a harmonious balance of warm and cool tones. Gunawan's dynamic brushwork dances easily across the canvas, outlining the accentuated curves, slender, elongated limbs and strong side profiles of the women in their traditional Kebayas, bearing features akin to the Indonesian Wayang Kulit puppets. A characteristic of Gunawan's works is his meticulous and thoughtful arrangement of figures in his painting composition. With a simple gesture, touch of the hand or turn of the head, the artist creates a natural connection and interaction between the figures in Women and Fruit Seller. Drawing viewers into conversation, Gunawan places emphasis on relationships, making a statement that women were the foundations that held a community together.
The depiction of women was an important recurring theme for the artist as he continued to document the everyday lives of the women of the nation and their roles within society till the end of his career. His use of vibrant colours and the depiction of ethereal figures illuminates the importance and respect the artist had for the ordinary women of the community, as he celebrated their contributions to the nation through his work. An exceptional work from Gunawan's mature period in his career, Women and Fruit Seller, exudes the artist's love for his homeland and his passion for the arts.