Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Ida Bagus Made Nadera (Tegallinggah, Bali, ± 1912 - 1998), a Balinese painter with an individualistic style

[slideshow]


Ida Bagus Made Nadera (Tegallinggah, Bali, ± 1912 - 1998), a Balinese painter with an individualistic style


In this auction we feature a collection of twelve artworks by Ida Bagus Nadera, property of a longtime resident of Bali and one of the first gallery owners in the country. The artworks, coming from different periods in the artist's life, includes various subjects and media.

With only two years of grade school as his formal education, Ida Bagus Made Nadera is basically a self-taught painter who created very interesting works. He became Ida Bagus Mregeg’s art class teaching assistant when he taught for a brief period of time at a grade school at Buruan village.


In 1936 he joined the Pita Maha Art Association. The two founders of the association, Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet, recognized his talent and asked him to paint a large monumental work measuring 9 meters in width. Having successfully fulfilled the task, Nadera was appointed to provide guidance to the other artists within the association.



While Balinese paintings usually share a common regional artistic style, Nadera’s works have a strong individual character. His landscapes often convey his concern for the environment, while his paintings of everyday life show his interest in traditions and culture. He was topeng and arja dancer and enjoyed reading the ancient Hindu scripts in Kawi. He also explored Balinese astrology by painting calenders.



In the 1960s, he  had his own painting studio in Semabaung, Bedahulu, on the road to Gianyar via Pejeng, and he was   frequently visited by art collectors. On the way to the Tampaksiring Palace, President Sukarno would pay the artist a visit, and purchase his paintings. Some of Nadera’s paintings are in the collection of the President.


Due his dedication in art, he received the Wija Kusuma Award from Gianyar Administration and the Dharma Kusuma Art award from Balinese Provincial Government in the 1980s. His paintings appear in the collections of the Neka Museum, ARMA Museum (Ubud) and Taman Budaya (Denpasar).




These artworks are among those that will be auctioned in Sidharta Auctioneer's Fine Art Auction on October 7th, 2012, at Darmawangsa Square, Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 1:30pm. View the e-catalog here: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/fa07102012/ Please contact info@sidharta.co for further information

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Dullah’s Realism

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Dullah’s Realism

We feature in this auction the works of Dullah (Solo, Central Java, 1919-1996), an artist who was appointed to be President Sukarno’s official painter in the 1950s. The four paintings in the auction (lots #180-183) date from 1959 to 1982, when the artist was at his best.

The two earlier paintings come from the private  collection of a family who actively collected in the 1950s and 1960s. The Portrait of a Boy (lot #182) dating from 1959, is a realistic and frank depiction of a young boy, whose facial gestures express his look of concern. The Landscape (lot #182) is a slightly later painting (dated 1964), but still shows the nuance of Dullah’s early landscapes, which are rather impressionistic in style.


The latter paintings, both dated 1982, come from the private collection of a family who was active in the 1970s and 1980s. The Figure of a Grandmother (lot #181) and Balinese Dancer (lot #183) both who a more polished realism, typical of the artist’s mature style. Although quite sophisticated, Dullah’s realism never developed into a photographic realism devoid of human imperfections.


From time to time, Dullah’s realism continues to present an intimate human touch, that seems familiar to his audience.



Lee Man Fong’s Sunflowers


 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Man Fong’s Sunflowers


This painting by Lee Man Fong, dates 1951 and is a relatively early painting by the artist. Many painters would certainly feel challenged to try to depict the likeness of the thick and wavy petals of the sunflower, and of course by that time Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, painted in the 1880s, had already become an iconic painting well-known among artists world-wide.


Although he might have been inspired by the subject matter in the famous painting by Van Gogh, Lee Man Fong’s Sunflowers does not borrow from its appearance, technique or style. It is a painting that shows Lee Man Fong’s own characteristic style, particularly pallette, brushstrokes and composition.

 
This painting is one of the artworks that will be auctioned in Sidharta Auctioneer's Fine Art Auction on October 7th, 2012, at Darmawangsa Square, Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 1:30pm. View the e-catalog here: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/fa07102012/ Please contact info@sidharta.co for further information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Fisherman at Work by the Seashore by Itji Tarmizi




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Fisherman at Work by the Seashore by Itji Tarmizi (Lintau, Sumatera Barat, 1939, -  Jakarta, 2001)

As a member of Hendra Gunawan’s People’s Painters group, Itji Tarmizi often depicted the tough daily life of fishermen by the sea shore. While his best known paintings feature his sophisticated realism, his works are often more spontaneous and expressive sketch-like oil paintings. The details that he highlights in the painting, such as the figure of the man sowing the sails of the boats, evidence that he is mainly interested in exploring the theme of work in the scenes that he depicts.

 

 
This painting is one of the artworks that will be auctioned in Sidharta Auctioneer's Fine Art Auction on October 7th, 2012, at Darmawangsa Square, Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 1:30pm. View the e-catalog here: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/fa07102012/ Please contact info@sidharta.co for further information

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Dullah in our upcoming auction

Dullah
"Penjual Sate"
1964
oil on canvas
142 x 82.5 cm

Dullah
"Pemandangan"
1964
oil on canvas
47 x 69 cm

Dullah
Boy
1959
oil on board
50 x 40 cm
[gallery]

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Affordable Art with Amir Sidharta | The Jakarta Globe



Insight Indonesia's Lin Neumann interviews Amir Sidharta about affordable art and SIDHartA's Artfordable Auction. View the video in three segments here: Affordable Art with Amir Sidharta | The Jakarta Globe.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Selection of Items from the David B. Smith Collection

Here is a selection of the items from the David B. Smith Collection that will be auctioned at the SIDHartA Auctioneer Tempo Doeloe auction, at the Bali Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, this Sunday, 11 March 2012, starting at 1:30 pm.

For the e-catalog, please visit: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/va11032012/

[slideshow]

007

Chest (grobog)

East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 97cm, w: 185cm, d: 85cm

These three chests mix geometric and natural patterns with flair. Unusually, the geometric decoration on the upper half of the chest is divided into two identical halves featuring a lattice-work pattern. The skirt above the wheels features a row of leaves, probably those of the betel plant, with halo-like outlines.

Publ: JAFFA , p. 260 - iv.07

008

Cabinet | East Java | 19th century | teak wood | 133 x 90 x 50cm

While the close connection between traditional Javanese architecture and furniture is irrefutable. The solid rectangular dimensions of this country cabinet are enluvened by vigorous carving and color forming two pairs of stylised birds on the top and bottom of each of the doors.

Publ: JAFFA , p. 109 - i.41

011

Cabinet | East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 145 cm, w: 145 cm, d: 58 cm

The doors and sides of this cabinet, dated 1878, feature tree-of-life motifs formed by luxuriant meandering green leaves against a red background. Stylised vulvas or seeds, symbols of fertility, are seen at the base of their trunks. Publ: JAFFA , p. 74 - i.02

020

Cabinet

East Java | 19th century | wood | h: 175 cm, w: 110 cm, d: 47cm

With minimal detail, two naga dragons, with what appears to be aquatic birds on their backs, bite on a central disc. The carving on the front doors is reminiscent of that of several cabinets seen on the previous pages. Publ: JAFFA , p. 112 - i.55

021

Massive Kitchen Cabinet (lemari dapur) | wood | Ponorogo, East Java | 19th century | h: 147 cm, w: 85 cm, d: 70 cm Featuring a crenellated upper rim, this rustic country pantry can be compared to traditional rice barns. The long legs, which raise it high above the ground, are intended to prevent vermin from stealing the food inside. The black patina was caused by soot from the kitchen fire. Publ: JAFFA , p. 110 - i.42

023

Massive Teakwood Cabinet with Square Wheels

East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 146 cm , w: 92 cm, d: 60 cm

Under normal circumstances, the rustic, rough-hewn cabinets of Ponorogo are impressive for their raw power. Publ: JAFFA , p. 111 - i.45

029

Loro Bionyo | Ponorogo, East Java | left: 28 x28 x 52 cm | right: 27 x 39 x 55 cm | Late 18th or early 19th century This wedding effigy statues of East Java’s petty aristoctracy and landed gentry are usually far more vigorous and less refined. The male reperesents Mas Sadono, sits cross-legged (padma asana), wearing a batik long cloth. His wife, Dewi Sri, wears a kamben breast cloth that exposes her shoulders, which are stained yellow from the application of turmeric powder. The figures’ torsos are elongated with narrow waists bound by wide belts with elaborate belt buckle, creating an hour-glass shape. Both wear Hindu-inspired necklace. Their mask-like white faces and large ears, a sign of wisdom, mirror the height of their position an class. Publ: JAFFA , p. 140 - ii.01

030

Room Divider | East Java | wood | h: 222cm, w: 207 cm , d: 45cm

Shaped like triptychs of cathedral windows, these remarkable room dividers were also believed to have magical protective powers, not unlike the aling-aling walls of Balinese temples. This belief is also revealed in the imagery. Publ: JAFFA , p. 176 - ii.75

031

Large Chest (grobog)

Ponorogo, East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 85cm, w: 200cm, d: 93cm

The rigorous, almost three-dimensional carving on these chests exemplifies a style that developed in the Ponorogo region in the second half of the 19th century. There is a tree of life with meandering lianas and spiky leaves. The skirts undulate. Unlike most grobog, the` chests are opened not by simply lifting the lids (usually made of one piece of wood) but by lifting one of several planks held by the framed tops. .

Publ: JAFFA, p. 268 - iv. 15

036

Large Java Primitive Cabinet

Carved of Massive | teak wood | Ponorogo, East Java | 19th century | 100 x 55 x 191 cm

Such example is extremely rare statement of the stark and powerful aesthetics of the East Javanese countryside. Publ: JAFFA, p. 110 - i. 43

039

Cabinet

Central or East Java | 19th century | teak wood | h: 177cm, w: 111cm, d: 46cm

The pediment carving, doors, frames and apron of this small cabinet come alive with luxuriant meandering foliage that is covered in gold leaf. Diamond lozenges with lotus flowers are featured on the two low drawers and the sides.

Publ: JAFFA , p. 127 - i.61

Tempo Doeloe Auction 11 March 2012 | Selected Items

Here is a selection of the items that will be auctioned at the SIDHartA Auctioneer Tempo Doeloe auction, at the Bali Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, this Sunday, 11 March 2012, starting at 1:30 pm.

For the e-catalog, please visit: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/va11032012/

 

 

[slideshow]

[caption id="attachment_358" align="aligncenter" width="268" caption="lot 37"][/caption]

037

Pair of Palace Cabinets, 19th century

Featuring the primordial naga dragons of Java’s ancient mythology, this refined pair of cabinets is noteworthy not only for its fine carving, gold leaf and cinnabar but also by the presence of the original tables upon which they rest. In most cases these are lost.


[caption id="attachment_359" align="aligncenter" width="137" caption="lot 38"][/caption]

038

Ritual Throne or Batik Table (Madura or East Java) 19th century

One of the primary tasks of Javanese princesses was the manufacture of fine batik sarongs, long cloths, scarves and head-cloths.  Elevated tables with a throne-like back featuring a crossbar for hanging the cloth being worked upon and carving usually featuring a pair of primordial naga dragons were used for drawing the wax designs. These tables were also used as throne backs that can be traced back to Hindu-Buddhist art.

[caption id="attachment_356" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="lot 53"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_357" align="aligncenter" width="154" caption="lot 56"][/caption]

053, 056

Wedding Effigy Figures (loro blonyo), Ponorogo Region, East Java, 19th century

The carving and placement of male-female figures (loro blonyo) representing the bride and groom as Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, and Mas Sadono, an incarnation of Vishnu, were an essential part of the wedding rituals of Javanese royalty well into the 20thcentury. Associated with fertility and the ancestors, the figures were placed in special altar beds and received regular offerings to ensure harmony and prosperity. A latter day version of the ancestor figures of the Austronesians, the loro blonyo of the more sophisticated Javanese palaces were refined and beautiful. These vigorous rough hewn pairs are rare examples of the same tradition practiced in the hinterlands of East Java.





[caption id="attachment_350" align="aligncenter" width="161" caption="lot 57"][/caption]

057

Impressive Palace Cabinet (lemari kraton), 19th century

With minimal use of color and touches of gold leaf, this stately cabinet still displays its original hardware.

[caption id="attachment_351" align="aligncenter" width="270" caption="lot 58"][/caption]

058

Storage Chest from a single piece of teakwood (palungan) 19th century

Palungan are one of the oldest forms of furniture in Java. Carved from the trunk of a single teakwood tree, their sliding lids are fixed with wooden pins. Used for the storage of family heirlooms, like this example, they often feature ancient motifs with now forgotten magical symbols.

[caption id="attachment_352" align="aligncenter" width="211" caption="lot 059"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_355" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="lot 62"][/caption]

059

Village Headman’s Adminstrative Table (meja lurah) 19th century

Often made of a single large slab of teakwood with turned legs, meja lurah were designed to mirror the importance of the administrative head (lurah) who used them. Based on Dutch baroque tables, over the years they would be infused with Javanese style.

[caption id="attachment_353" align="aligncenter" width="173" caption="lot 60"][/caption]

060

Magnificent Pair of Kraton Cabinets (lemari keraton), 19th century

Profusely and finely carved with naga dragons, and floral scenes further enhanced by cinnabar and gold leaf, this matching pair of cabinets was probably made in the vicinity of Solo, Central Java and used in a major palace. Examples of this quality and beauty are rare.

[caption id="attachment_354" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="lot 61"][/caption]

061

Javanese Chest with Floral Carving, Original fittings, goldleaf, 19th century





[caption id="attachment_348" align="aligncenter" width="188" caption="lot 63"][/caption]

063


Pair of Palace Book Cases (lemari buku kraton) from Kota Gede circa 1920

This rare and beautiful pair of bookcases are masterpieces of a Baroque royal style that prevailed in Kota Gede, the royal city just south of Jogjakarta. In perfect condition except for the missing glass panes they feature the sumptuous use of gold leaf, cinnabar and natural green pigments.

[caption id="attachment_349" align="aligncenter" width="270" caption="lot 64"][/caption]

064

Striking Ritual Bed (ranjang), East Java, 19th century

The stark and beautiful lines of this striking bed is a fine example of the impressive rustic style custom made for the wealthy landowners of East Java’s interior.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

ArtFordable Auction March, 04 2012

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Message to Friends of Sidharta Auctioneer

Welcome to our first ArtFordable Auction in 2012. We are featuring limited selections (70 lots) of diverse artwork by prominent as well as talented artists. From time to time we are refining our selections for ArtFordable Auction. By doing this, we want to ensure that you get good quality of affordable artwork that represents your taste and self image.

It is a special ArtFordable Auction in cooperation with The Energy Building to embrace young and professional art collectors by sharing knowledge about Indonesian paintings and artists that we all should be familiar and proud of. Indonesia has many talented artists who need to be constantly supported and promoted so that public at large understand and attain their work.

I personally believe that by being passionate for and supportive to our own talented artist, Indonesian paintings will gain not only national reputations but also international recognitions. More and more of our international clients express their enthusiasm and demand to bid artwork in our auction.

I always encourage friends, students and the young to drop by at our viewing and auction because I want them to be exposed to a wide range of Indonesian artists’ work. Each one of us may have different preference and point of view about art. The beauty of art appreciation is that there is no such thing as right or wrong. But do take your time and try to enjoy the freshness of our special collections.

Our fresh picks for this auction are Nyoman Tarka, Made Suraja, Dyan Condro, Hudy Jayanata and Andi Sulistiono. Please do check out these artists’ work. Each will complement and complete your painting collections at home.

Our commitment for ArtFordable Auction is to bring in artists who are on the rise, such as Wenas Heriyanto, Praponco Suprapto, Baybay Ricky Janitras, Hauritsa, Irwan Widjayanto and Joko Herli Wibowo. Their work has always been attracting high demand in our auctions for two years, except for Praponco Suprapto. We just introduced two of his paintings in last November auction and bidders showed great appreciations.

On the senior ones, we have Erica Hestu Wahyuni, I Nyoman Sujana Kenyem, I Wayan Wirawan, Bonny Setiawan, Iswanto, Faizin and I.B. Said. You are fortunate to be able to view their work in this auction. Pick up your favorite drink and zip it at our viewing gallery here at The Energy Building.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tempo Doeloe Indonesian Vintage Auction

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The enthusiasm and interest of many art connoisseurs in collecting Indonesian vintage furniture and decorative items, as emphasized in the success of SIDHartA Auctioneer’s Javanese Antique Furniture and Folk Art Auction in February 2011, has led us to conduct an annual auction in Bali.

Entitled Tempo Doeloe, the auction is meant to take us on a journey back to the “the good old days”, not in historical terms, but to the nostalgic times when natural materials, particularly wood, was crafted with great sensibility and respect, for societies that considered aesthetics as an integral part of life. Of course, we will never be able to replicate those times, but we need to be continuously reminded of the values that were held dearly in the past, and perhaps that is the reason why people collect vintage art pieces.

In this auction we offer a variety of items, ranging from tables and chairs, old books, fine statues, and cabinets and architectural structures, in a variety of different styles. The furniture in the auction range from intricately crafted classical Javanese pieces, to expressive and artistically carved folk Javanese works, pieces with touches of European or Chinese influence, modern pieces dating from the 1950s and 1960s, and even some recent interpretations by a famous Indonesian interior designer.

Among the acceptional pieces in the auction, are some fine court-style Javanese cabinets and chests. There are a number of exceptional Loro Blonyo statues, the male and female figures often placed in traditional Javanese houses as a couple symbolizing unity and harmony, and also a Balinese counterpart.

You can find a number of interesting architectural elements, including the blandar tumpang sari and soko guru structural elements of a Javanese joglo house, the jineman wooden chamber, finely carved gebyok house or room facades, or even simple but elegantly carved wooden columns. There are also some fun miniatures of furniture modeled in the Art Deco style.

Through our Tempo Doeloe auctions, we hope to continuously remind people of the splendor of vintage Indonesian arts and crafts, as well as rejuvenate interest in collecting and develop understanding of the fine and unique pieces from this vast nation.

The most valuable, refine and unique collectible pieces might be purchased by the seasoned connoisseurs. However, we try to provide something for everyone, and so the novice collectors should be able to pick up a few items to start their collection. There shoud also be some things that would appeal to dealers, if some interesting pieces are overlooked by the connoisseurs and collectors. For those of you who do not yet have an interest in purchasing, but have some interest in vintage items, we hope that you know that you are most welcome just to take a look. We hope that our auction will become an exciting event for a community of vintage Indonesian furniture and decorative items, that can be held regularly in Bali.

I hope that you will enjoy the preview and auction. Happy bidding!

Amir Sidharta

 

The SIDHartA Auctioneer Tempo Doeloe auction will be held at the Bali Art Center, Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar, this Sunday, 11 March 2012, starting at 1:30 pm.

For the e-catalog, please visit: http://sidhartaauctioneer.com/ecat/2012/va11032012/