Thia May, Global Auction brings another Southeast Asian, Chinese, Modern & Contemporary Art Auction consisting of 158 lots which includes paintings and sculptures. The auction’s bidding period would be held from 25 April - 12 May 2026 with a preview available in Jakarta and a live online auction taking place on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at 7:00 PM (UTC +7). 

This auction features the works of several renowned artists such as Affandi, Lee Man Fong, I.G.A.K. Murniasih, Widayat, and many more.

Auction Highlights

Cockfight, 1978 by Affandi

Affandi, born in 1907 in Cirebon, is regarded as one of Indonesia’s most renowned modern artists of the 20th century. He was a self taught artist who developed a distinctive style consisting of strong swirling brushstrokes and vivid colours, often compared to Van Gogh’s. This style made him earn multiple international recognition and awards such as a scholarship from the Indian government and featured in prestigious exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Biennale.  

Cockfighting is deeply rooted in Indonesian history, especially during the revolution. It was a symbol of power and status, quickly gaining the attention of locals and has since then become a traditional yet controversial activity. This practice is often portrayed in the works of Indonesian artists such as Affandi, where in one of his works titled Cockfight (1978), two roosters are seen having an intense brawl.

The thick swirling strokes, which is a characteristic of Affandi’s works, adds tension to the scene. One rooster is painted in black while the other in white, indicating opposing forces. Hints of red, yellow, and blue are seen detailing the roosters, yet the predominantly brown coloured background creates a darker atmosphere where violence and urgency is highlighted. 

No. 1, 1982 by S. Sudjojono

Born in 1913, Sindudarsono Sudjojono is considered as the father of Indonesian modern art as he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s artistic identity by co-founding PERSAGI (Persatuan Ahli Gambar Indonesia) and Seniman Indonesia Muda. As an artist, critic, and writer, his works are a reflection of the social and cultural landscape, often depicting the everyday lives of Indonesian with honesty and empathy. 

In one of his paintings titled No. 1 (1982), he portrayed the situation of Indonesia’s 1982 general election during the New Order period where there were only three parties allowed, Golkar, PPP, and PDI, with power largely concentrated in Golkar. 

The work focuses on the two Muslim women whispering as the PPP symbol and Indonesian flag appear in the distance. The background is mostly empty, with dark colours used. The colours alongside the whisperings and faces blending into the background highlights the limited political freedom and feelings of doubt and uncertainty during the time. 

Spring Landscape in Jakarta, 1955 by Lee Man Fong

Born in Guangzhou, China, in 1913, Lee Man Fong spent his early years in Singapore before establishing his career in Jakarta where he became one of the first non-Dutch artists to exhibit with the Dutch East Indies Association. He was then appointed as a palace artist to Sukarno, making him one of the most respected painters during the time. As he studied in the Netherlands, he developed a style known for its blend of the East and West, where Chinese ink painting is combined with Western modernism. 

In his work titled Spring Landscape in Jakarta (1955), Lee Man Fong depicted the two sides of nature. One was life on land, where a giant tree and scattered rocks are portrayed alongside the foliage, its density giving the work a darker tone. While on the right side, a boat is seen resting on top of the water, with faint images of hills lingering in the background, creating a brighter scene. As the two merge, it encapsulates the beauty of nature, how both coexist despite its differences. 

Although such a view is now rare in Jakarta, through this work, Lee Man Fong showcased his ability in blending different regions by portraying a local scene while using the technique of Chinese ink painting.

My Imagination, 2002 by I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih 

I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, also known as Murni, was born in Bali in 1966 and worked as a domestic worker before studying art under Dewa Putu Mokoh where she developed a style consisting of clear outlines, minimal shading, and vivid colours. Due to the trauma she experienced from an early age, Murni dealt with the pain through art, often depicting the themes of female identity and sexuality. 

Through her explicit themes and focus on women's experiences, she challenged not only the usual aesthetics but also existing norms. Today, her impact on contemporary Indonesian art continues to grow, with her being the first Balinese artist whose works are collected by Tate Modern Gallery, and has been invited to several worldwide exhibitions. 

My Imagination (2002) portrays two figures, one in yellow and one in teal, seemingly intertwining and merging into a single fluid form while the background is coloured in pink and decorated in patterned red flowers. This suggests the idea of intimacy, where bodies and emotions overlap, while the blooming flowers around them indicate the feeling of love within the process. As they become one, they come to understand each other’s desires, creating a stronger bond. This work clearly reflects Murni’s renowned style in terms of form, colour, and theme. 

Bedaya Ketawang - The Energy of Beauty, 2012 by Srihadi Soedarsono 

Srihadi Soedarsono, born in 1931, was an Indonesian artist renowned for his depiction of Javanese and Balinese dancers. His approach to colours, form, and movement results in works which evokes deep emotions and spirituality.  Due to this, he has won multiple international awards and contributed to Indonesia’s art education by developing Institut Kesenian Jakarta and taught at Institut Teknologi Bandung where he was then appointed Professor of Fine Arts.

The painting Bedaya Ketawang - The Energy of Beauty (2012) portrays the sacred Bedhaya Ketawang dance which originated from the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta. This dance is usually performed by nine women on special occasions such as the coronation or anniversary of a king’s reign. The dance itself carries a symbolic meaning which is associated with harmony, spiritual balance, and the connection between the human and the divine. 

Within this painting, three women are seen dancing in unison, their red and pink attire blended in with the red background. The flowy brushstrokes around the fabric and figures create a sense of movement, making the painting seem alive and filled with a sense of energy and grace. This showcases Srihadi’s mastery in both theme and technique. 

Explore More Artworks

Bali Dancer by Lee Man Fong

Borobudur and Budha (Run for Manhattan Series), 2015 by I Made Wianta

The Young Emperor by Bui Huu Hung

Going Home, 1973 by Widayat

Violinist, 1958 by Emiria Soenassa

Horse and the Angel, ed. 3/7, 2003 by Gregorius Sidharta Soegijo

Garuda Palace, 2025 by I Nyoman Nuarta 

Auction Details  

Bidding Period: 25 April - 12 May 2026 | https://bid.global.auction 

Preview Exhibition: 25 April - 12 May 2026 | 9 AM–5 PM daily  

Jakarta Office: Jl. Tanah Abang IV No. 23–35  

Online Live Auction: Tuesday, 12 May 2026 | 7 PM (UTC +7) 

Access the full catalogue at https://linktr.ee/globalauction

For more information, please contact us at [email protected]