Sudjana Kerton

(1922-1994)

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Footnotes

Provenance
Collection of Mrs Perelle "Perry" Schwartz, New York (gifted by the artist)

蘇加拿·克爾頓
巴黎盧森堡花園
約一九五五年作

簽名：KERTON
綜合媒體

來源
美國紐約Mrs Perelle "Perry" Schwartz私人收藏

Highly regarded as one of the most respected artists in the history of Modern Indonesian art, Sudjana Kerton's oeuvre is fondly associated with the everyday lives of the common people in Indonesia. A nationalist, Kerton's paintings were influenced by the tumultuous times when he participated in the country's struggle for independence, as well as interactions with people he met during his travels. Channelling profound feelings, Kerton weaved memorable scenes of markets, parks, a man enjoying a simple lunch or mother-daughter bonding with bold distorted lines and muted colours, contributing to his subjects' down-to-earth honesty and humorous expressions.

Although deeply invested in the social situations in his country, Kerton left for Europe and later, the United States in the early 1950s. Decades of living abroad exposed him to new ideas and gave him a familiar understanding of the issues and emotions of people outside of Indonesia.

A gift to a close friend, Lot 25 Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris is an intimate representation of Kerton's European period. While many works that were done in the 1950s showcase famous landmarks, this particular piece offers a rare glimpse of his personal sentiments. Candid and uninhibited, he outlines his garden impression in a manner of one who wishes to capture a specific feeling in time. The scarce use of structured lines, coupled with a monochromatic black-grey background and sparse activities in the foreground, portray serenity, which the garden is famed for. Meanwhile, a cold and dark winter scene is juxtaposed with bursts of warm energy radiating from the red flowers, the fragrant hyacinths and the water fountain. Personal and charming, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris is a master's portrait which truly embodies the essence of the everyday.