Life can be unpredictable, as shown by the journey of Indonesia's renowned painter, Arifien Neif. His works are highly sought after by collectors at both Indonesian and international auctions. Born in Surabaya, East Java, on March 31, 1955, few would have guessed that young Arifien, despite his mother’s disapproval, would develop a lasting passion for drawing. Nevertheless, he remained committed to his artistic ambitions.

As life went on, Arifien left Surabaya for Jakarta during high school, bringing only a few clothes, nearly-empty paint cans, pencils, and brushes. In Jakarta, he struggled to make a living, taking on various jobs, including working on a construction site. Despite the demands of mixing cement, he diligently sketched on scraps of cement paper, which he then pasted on the walls of his temporary shelter. This was where he slept, ate, and contemplated his next steps.

Later, Arifien shifted to interior finishing work, taking on tasks like laying tiles, installing interior components, and arranging carpets in hotel buildings. His creativity thrived, leading him to a position with an interior design company and marking the start of his painting career.

In 1979, BIN House, a legendary fashion label in Jakarta, first exhibited his paintings, and by 1980, his second exhibition at the same venue saw collectors eagerly embracing his work. His reputation quickly grew. Arifien has since held several solo exhibitions, including at the Lorin & Kristy Fine Art Gallery in Singapore in 1999 and at the National Museum of Singapore in 2008. His artistry has also been featured in the books Arifien: The Life and Fantasy of an Emerging Indonesian Painter (1997) and Arifien (2008).

Arifien Neif's Artistic Style

Neif's paintings often draw inspiration from everyday life, transforming ordinary scenes into imaginative and romantic compositions. His style blends elements of impressionism and romanticism, turning everyday moments into something beautifully elevated, with a touch of the surreal. His use of dynamic shapes, strong lines, and vibrant tertiary colors creates visually striking works. Arifien focuses on ordinary people, depicting them in an expressive style characterized by spontaneous brushstrokes. 

His figures are often aesthetically modified, distorted, or deformed to convey their emotions. He doesn't aim to beautify them, believing that an artist’s true mission is creation. Arifien reconstructs the human figure into more artistic forms, exploring them through his imagination, dreams, and thoughts. 

Lucky to be Loving

One of his standout pieces, Lucky to be Loving (Beruntung untuk Penuh Kasih Sayang), depicts a vibrant riverside scene teeming with activity and affection. At the center, a relaxed woman in a floral dress gazes up at a shirtless man holding two fish, capturing a moment of intimate connection. A small black dog rests comfortably at her side, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

On the left, a woman is shown painting a landscape, with a young boy—likely her son—clinging to her back, portraying another form of love: maternal affection.

In the background, a lively river port is depicted with boats, warehouses, and tourists engaged in their activities. The busy yet harmonious setting is enhanced by warm earth tones contrasted with cool blues and greens. Arifien's detailed brushwork skillfully captures both the architectural elements of the distant town and the subtle expressions of the characters, creating a sense of community and personal connection.

The painting exudes love and connection, both between the central figures and the broader community surrounding them.

Intimacy

Another notable work, Intimacy (Kemesraan), features warm earthy tones and expressive brushwork that highlights the physical and emotional closeness of the figures. The focal point is a couple standing side by side, with the woman leaning slightly toward the man, whose arm rests gently on her shoulder. Their posture and proximity convey a quiet yet palpable connection.

Contrasting with the upright couple, a crouching nude figure occupies the lower left corner of the composition. This curled-up figure adds a dynamic contrast to the couple's elegant stance, introducing a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The background blends abstracted architecture with a vibrant landscape, where trees, plants, and distant buildings merge seamlessly. A small table adorned with a decorative bowl and flowers suggests a touch of domesticity within the larger environment. Arifien’s textured surface and rich color layering lend the painting a tactile quality, deepening the emotional resonance between the figures and their surroundings. The overall composition evokes tenderness, connection, and the complexities of relationships.

Bid on Arifien Neif’s Works!

Arifien Neif's journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and passion that fuel artistic success. Owning his works means not just acquiring stunning art but also celebrating his remarkable story and drawing inspiration from it. 

This auction offers a unique chance to own Arifien Neif’s pieces. You can preview the collection at our gallery or online from August 19 to September 7, 2024. We are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The bidding begins on September 7, 2024, at 3 PM Jakarta time. Don’t miss out—register today or reach out for more details!