Sukamto Gallery
Born: 1952, Indonesia
Sukamto Dwi Susanto was born in Godean, a tiny village near Yogyakarta. His home village consists of a few traditional Javanese houses built in the center of a sugar cane plantation. Godean appears isolated from the surrounding, increasingly modern civilization. Here old Javanese traditions rule, and mysticism inspires vivid imaginations, such as Sukamto’s. Even after years of study at Yogyakarta’s Art Academy (ASRI), the artist remains intact with his magical village roots.
His Works:
Best known for his naïve and simple pastels while carrying with it a deep and meaningful story. More recently, he employs Western painting techniques on canvas, such as oil; however, all his works are reminiscent of the traditional Javanese glass paintings. The background and painted cloth patterns recall the colorful world of Indonesian fabric design. Folk art has been a primary vehicle through which the common man has expressed his dreams, fears, superstitions and local fairy tales. Especially for Java, folk art is an essential part of their everyday lives; it is a personal sentimental for the people. Like the puppeteers of Java, Sukamto continues to weave stories into his paintings, creating a stage for his own implied thoughts about humanity and their values.
Exhibitions:
1993
- “Gaung Kreativitas Seni ’93” Exhibition, Jakarta
- “Kelompok Sekata Yogya” Exhibition
1998
- “Lukis dan Amal Pelukis Ujung Gunung” Exhibition; WTC Jakarta, Jakarta