Mas Djon: The Man Behind the Easel will showcase personal letters, photographs, poems, sketches, drawings and personal belongings, along with some of the major paintings of S. Sudjojono, widely considered as the father of modern Indonesian art.
Shaping the development of modern Indonesian art through his revolutionary ideas, writings and works, Sudjojono emphasised the importance of national pride, reflecting the soul of his homeland and of its people in his work. He founded several significant art associations during the colonial period, was a passionate art critic, a forthright thinker and a skilled writer.
One East Asia (the art consultancy arm of Larasati auction house) has been appointed as the official representative of the S. Sudjojono Center in Singapor, and to mark this occasion, it is opening on Aug 15 a showcase of Sujojono's memorabilia and works.
Several books and exhibitions have focused on Sudjojono’s life as an artist and his artistic career – but this exhibition aspires to look beyond this. He believed that art is a reflection of the artist’s soul, and exploring Sudjojono’s personal life will present a deeper look into his soul. This exhibition aims to portray him as a human being, a man, and above all else, a family man. How exactly has his character, thoughts, feelings and relationship with his wife, Rose Pandanwangi, and his family, influenced and are reflected in his works? His memorabilia and personal belongings will offer a glimpse of the man behind the easel – affectionately called, ‘Mas Djon’.
