More than just Indonesia's first president, Sukarno was a man deeply fascinated by the artistic spirit of his nation. As explored in Mikke Susanto's insightful book, "Sukarno's Favourite Painters”, his personal collection blossomed to over 2,000 works by more than 250 artists. These paintings, often imbued with historical significance and artistic mastery, represent a vibrant and under-appreciated chapter in Indonesia's cultural narrative.

This month's auction offers a unique opportunity to deep dive into the extraordinary collections by these artists. Here, we'll meet six of Sukarno's favored artists, each with a style that reflects the rich tapestry of Indonesian art. 

From the breathtakingly idealized landscapes of the Mooi Indie movement to the meticulous realist style depicting individual portraits and scenes of daily life in Indonesia, these paintings offer a glimpse into the artistic vision that captivated a national leader.

Trubus Sudarsono 

Born in Yogyakarta in 1926, Trubus Sudarsono was a member of both Seniman Indonesia Muda and Pelukis Rakyat (a group of painters founded by Hendra Gunawan and Affandi). Beyond painting, Trubus also excelled in sculpture, his works contributing significantly to the art scene's dynamism in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Notably, he was among the artists commissioned by Sukarno to paint portraits of national heroes. This included an oil-on-canvas portrait of Kartini (1946/47) that currently hangs in the Yogyakarta Presidential Palace.

One of his paintings, depicting a Balinese dancer in a striking pose, is available in this month's online auction at Global Auction. The traditional headpiece, shimmers in gold against the background dominated by rich brown tones.

Willem Gerald Hofker 

Willem Gerard Hofker, a student at the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam, lived in Bali from 1938 to 1946. During this time, he produced numerous paintings of Balinese life, including dancers, portraits, and traditional architecture. 

Hofker's artistic vision belonged to the Mooi Indie movement, known for its idealized portrayals of Indonesian landscapes and scenes. However, his unique approach blended this European influence with his fascination for Balinese life.

At least five of Hofker's paintings are included in Sukarno's collection, suggesting they may have been among the president's favorites. His work is characterized by sharply defined contours and a masterful use of color, particularly in the portrayal of figures. The overall effect is one of elegance and poetry. 

Don't miss your chance to own Hofker's beautiful watercolor 'Purity (Kemurnian)' at this month's Global Auction! It’s a remarkable example of watercolor on paper utilizing a calming palette of light grays and blues. The painting evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting viewers to contemplate the purity of the human form rendered in Hofker's signature European style.

Dullah 

Dullah made a significant impact on Indonesia as a palace painter appointed by Sukarno in 1950. His exceptional taste and painting skills also enriched Indonesian art. A great realist painter, Dullah's ability to capture detail is unparalleled in other works. At least 80 of his paintings were collected by Sukarno.

One of his works, titled "Old Man (Kakek)", portraying an elderly man, is currently up for auction this month at Global Auction! This portrait focuses on an elderly man, his face etched with the lines of a life well-lived. Dullah's meticulous brushstrokes capture every detail, from the wrinkled skin around the eyes to the texture of the man's clothing. 

While the exact nature of his contemplation remains open to interpretation, the title "Kakek" (meaning "grandfather" in Indonesian) and the man's thoughtful expression invite viewers to ponder his inner world.

Gerard Pieter Adolfs 

Many of Gerard Pieter Adolfs’ works depict natural scenery and daily life in Indonesia. He played an important role in the Mooi Indie movement in Indonesian art history, characterized by idealized tropical landscapes. Besides being a painter, he also designed several houses in Indonesia after studying architecture in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Additionally, he was a photographer and drew cartoons.

'Cockfight (Menyabung Ayam)' is one of his paintings up for auction this month. This work depicts a scene from everyday life in Indonesia, where cockfighting (adu ayam) has been a traditional pastime for centuries. While the practice itself might be controversial in some regions, Adolfs' focus here is likely on capturing the cultural significance and social aspects of this activity.

Siauw Tik Kwie 

Siauw Tik Kwie’s painting career began in 1932. He received guidance from the priest Fr. Sterneberg in Jakarta and the painter HV Velthuisen. In 1942, he founded the painters’ association Pelukis Angkatan Indonesia. During the Japanese occupation, he twice won prizes for works exhibited by the Keimin Bunka Shidosho, in 1943 and 1944.

This month, Global Auction offers a chance to bid on “Flowers in a Vase (Bunga Dalam Vas)”, a stunning painting by Siauw Tik Kwie. This elegant composition features a bouquet of white chrysanthemums in a vase, their delicate beauty accentuated by the stark contrast with the black background. The muted tones of the light brown colored tablecloth add a touch of warmth and grounding to the scene.

Ernest Dezentje 

Ernest Dezentje worked as a manager of tea and quinine plantations for 20 years. A self-taught artist, his life on the plantation influenced his naturalistic-impressionistic style. Dezentje was a close friend of Sukarno since their days at Technische Hoogeschool te Bandoeng. Several of his works decorated the presidential palace, particularly the one in Bogor. Many of these works are quite large in size.

"Landscape (Pemandangan)" by Ernest Dezentje captures a tranquil scene bathed in a warm afternoon. A road stretches through the center, flanked by trees with lush green and vibrant orange-hued leaves. Beneath the shade of the trees, a group of figures relax and chat, adding a touch of human presence to this idyllic depiction of Indonesian nature. 

The painting exemplifies Dezentje's signature naturalistic-impressionistic style, using light and color to create a realistic yet dreamlike atmosphere.

A Legacy in Every Brushstroke: Own a Piece of Indonesian Art History

This auction presents a rare chance to own a piece of Indonesian art history, once admired by a national icon. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the artistic legacy of Sukarno's favored artists. Preview the collection at our gallery or online beforehand. Bidding starts July 27th, 2024, at 3 PM Jakarta time. Register now or contact us for more information!