Angkama Setjadipradja

Indonesia

B. 1913

Angkama Setjadipradja began studying art in the 1930s, attending L.A. Handtekenen (1933–1934) and earning a Lagere Acte teaching certificate. Before Indonesia’s independence, he worked as a teacher in several cities, including Banjar, Jatinegara, and Cimahi. After World War II, he resumed teaching art in Tasikmalaya and Ciamis while continuing to develop his painting skills. In 1950, he enrolled at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, in Bandung (which later became the Faculty of Fine Art and Design, ITB), and completed his studies four years later.

In 1962–1963, Angkama received a scholarship to study at Ohio State University in the United States. Upon returning, he helped establish and teach at the Ceramic Studio at ITB. He was also one of the founders of Tjipta Pantjaran Rasa, a Bandung artists’ collective established in 1953. His first solo exhibition was held at Balai Budaya, Jakarta, in 1961, followed by a joint exhibition with his wife, Suleha, in 1976. Besides painting, Angkama was a prolific writer who authored several books on art and education, including Hari Depan Kramik di Indonesia and Pendidikan Nasional: Suatu Konsep. Until his passing on July 8, 1984, he remained a dedicated lecturer at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), as well as at the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ) and Trisakti University.