Lot 328
  • 328

HENDRA GUNAWAN | Walking Under the Tree

Estimate
900,000 - 1,500,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Hendra Gunawan
  • Walking Under the Tree 
  • Signed
  • Oil on canvas 
  • 168.5 by 99 cm; 66 1/2  by 39 1/4  in.

Condition

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. There is evidence of light wear and losses along the edges of the work, with some accretions along the left edge. There is some very faint paint shrinkage in some areas of the work, but these are only visible upon very close inspection. There is a small area of surface abrasion at the sea. There are two, pinsized holes (these are also visible on the reverse of the canvas) and two pinhead sized losses to pigment at the bottom area 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.

Catalogue Note

The monumental paintings of Hendra Gunawan are entrenched in modern Indonesian history as some of the most precious renderings of circadian life in Indonesia. One of the nation's leading first generation modern artists, Hendra Gunawan was a patriotic individual who felt a profound connection to his land and solidarity with the Indonesian people. As a social being that delighted in the commonplace happenings in the streets of his nation, Hendra loved to document picayune moments, ultimately elevating them to a sacred level. In the present lot, a family of villagers journey near a river overlooking the beach at dusk. Upon deeper inspection, it is apparent that Hendra premeditates the stance of his subjects in order to elucidate his reverence for his country’s bountiful, natural landscape and the sincere sense of devotion that emanates from the native villagers. Humbled by the breadth of their panoramic environment, the people are deliberately painted small in scale when juxtaposed against the landscape behind them. The main subject of the painting is not the villagers but the gargantuan tree, which spans the length of the picture plane. So conspicuous and large that it dwarfs the villagers underneath it, the tree expands further with its sinuous branches that evoke an anthropomorphic quality. The river finds its continuity in the foreground of the composition, where it traverses from the left side of the composition to the right. The isolated, close nook in the forefront of the painting is juxtaposed against the deep, infinite ocean behind it. The high horizon exaggerates the expanse of the ocean, which provides a sense of release and balance to the otherwise dense composition.  Hendra’s rhythmic and sinuous brushstrokes applied from an vibrant yet deep color palette deliver the painting with a whimsical sense of movement and liveliness. Evident in Walking Under the Tree, Hendra rejoiced in immortalizing the enchanting beauty of the unadulterated, Indonesian landscape.