HENDRA GUNAWAN | Bermain dengan Ibu

Private Collection, Singapore

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. There is evidence of wear and losses along the edges of the work due to abrasions with the frame. There is light craquelure to the work, primarily at the thicker impastos, but this is only visible upon close inspection and under bright light. There is a small scratch near the bottom left edge, near the pink sand. There is a hair from the artist's paintbrush, which was previously painted over by the artist and is now loose, located near the signature. All other inconsistencies are inherent to the artist's working method. This work would benefit from a light professional cleaning if desired, as there is some dirt and accretions on the surface of the work. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no sign of restoration as viewed. Framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Deeply entrenched in modern Indonesian history, Hendra Gunawan’s lively depictions of the cultural mores of his beloved homeland have cemented him as “the people’s artist”. Distinguished as a humanist painter, Gunawan’s extensive oeuvre is characterized by the whimsical ways in which he immortalizes the allure found within the mundane – nothing is absent of beauty through the lens of Gunaway’s artistic vernacular, as his spontaneous imagination works to create visual commemorations of the landscapes and native people of Indonesia. In all his works, Gunawan took care to realize women as fully multidimensional, independent and individual characters, ones that are in charge of their own interactions, bodies, and roles. He carved out a refreshing mode of representation of the daily lives of Indonesian women.

Aptly titled Bermain Dengan Ibu, which translates to Playing with Mother, this present lot is an expressive and spirited depiction of the human form and relationships. Gunawan permeates the canvas with a myriad of stunning colors, as he re-imagines a simple interaction between mother and son through a deftly saturated canvas and unconventional coloring. Fantastical and playful, Gunawan proudly boasts about the magic in the everyday of the Indonesian locale, as his expressive brushstrokes delineate the exquisite features of his subjects. Reminiscent of the Indonesian puppets of wayung kulit, Gunawan illustrates the details of the mother with elegant, sloping features and elongated, exaggerated limbs, subsequently re-defining the alluring femininity of Indonesian women. Surging with buoyancy and a child-like innocence, Gunawan’s visual flourishes serve to unveil the joy he experienced as witness to the daily nuances of rural life; while the exaggerated nature of his subjects, in tandem with his vibrant coloring, draw out the expressiveness of his visual language. Gunawan’s meticulous attention to composition and coloring is brought to light here, as his unique palette details the multi-colored batik prints on the mother’s sarong, imbuing it with a kaleidoscopic and ephemeral quality. As the woman stretches out to keep her impish child in her grasp, Gunawan outlines her soft, yet firm gaze of attentiveness and care, as he reveals the subtle elegance of her poise and figure.

At a time when Indonesia’s post-colonial art scene was burgeoning with multifarious visual identities, Gunawan stood out with his timeless and spirited aesthetics. Bermain Dengan Ibu is a poignant representation of his lifelong pursuit of encapsulating the beauty of Indonesia and its native locale.