Indonesian portraiture exhibition opens in Australia

A stunning collection of significant Indonesian artwork was launched at the National Portrait Gallery in Australia’s capital Canberra yesterday.

The exhibition Masters of Modern Indonesian Portraiture was a major National Gallery of Indonesia initiative and provides insight into the rich portrait practice of Indonesia, showcasing key modernist works from 1930 to the 1980s. These portraits from the National Gallery of Indonesia’s collection are also being shown alongside a selection of contemporary works by leading Indonesian artists.

This is the first time work from the National Gallery of Indonesia has been shown in Australia and is a rare opportunity for Australian audiences to view the work of eminent Indonesian artists including S. Sudjojono, Hendra Gunawan and Affandi.

The project was a collaboration between the National Gallery of Indonesia and the National Portrait Gallery in Australia and is hoped will be the start of an ongoing relationship between the two institutions.

Eleven Indonesian cultural professionals travelled to Australia, including the National Gallery of Indonesia’s director, two leading curators and two artists to participate in the launch.

Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture Mohammad Nuh said in a written statement that the universal language of art can be a way of promoting the diplomacy of culture between countries.

“It is also hoped that this art exhibition will be a gate to a continuous cultural dialogue between Indonesia and Australia.”

The exhibition is proudly supported by the Australian Government through the Australia- Indonesia Institute.

Further information on Masters of Modern Indonesian Portraiture can be viewed at: http://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/masters-of-modern-indonesian-portraiture-2014

The exhibition will be on display in Canberra until 15 October 2014.

Media Enquiries:
Sanchi Davis, Cultural Attaché: Hp 0811 959 0304, Email: [email protected]