My works displayed in the exhibition entitled Syncretic Identity were produced in the range of 2018 to 2021. I chose the phrase Syncretic Identity as the title to describe the characteristics of the syncretic culture that was formed especially in the Chinese Indonesian diaspora community. The ability to adapt to new conditions and changes is one of the strengths of the diaspora, especially Chinese Indonesian which has become the main strength of their identity. This process of adaptation has been going on for centuries to produce a new form of culture and mentality which not only characterizes the “China-peranakan” in Indonesia, but has also become part of Indonesia’s own plural identity. I hope that with this exhibition activity, I can share what I believe is very important for all of us to understand: the preservation of indigenous cultural values in the midst of a very rapid globalization process.
I am honored for the opportunity that has been given to me by Hotel Intercontinental Bandung. Hopefully this collaboration is the first step of a mutually supportive collaboration between various parties, especially between Indonesian Artists and the Intercontinental Hotel Bandung. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to General Manager Mr. Pascal Caubo, Director of Operations Mr. Jonathan Lallemand and Marketing Communications Mrs. Dina Novia Faisal.
Salam Budaya,
Tjutju Widjaja
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 30 x 30 cm | Year: 2021
Living a true life is every human being’s hope. I present the latest creations that combine Chinese calligraphy and modern painting. The Hanzi character in this painting (真) means “true”, which is combined with the image of a lotus flower as a symbol of spirituality and good morality.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 30 x 30 cm | Year: 2021
The hanzi character (愛) on this painting means love, a term that cannot be separated from life. Combined with the lotus image as a symbol for beauty and spirituality.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 30 x 30 cm | Year: 2021
May kindness and love always prevail. I present my creation that combine Chinese calligraphy and modern painting. The Hanzi character in this painting (善) means "kind”, combined with the lotus flower as a symbol of purity of soul and kindness.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 30 x 30 cm | Year: 2021
You cannot recognize love unless you have real compassion. I present painting that combine Chinese calligraphy and modern painting. The Hanzi character in this painting(慈)means “compassion”, which is combined with the image of a lotus flower as a symbol of compassion and tenderness.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 30 x 30 cm | Year: 2021
From clean heart, comes a clean life. I present my latest creations that combine Chinese calligraphy and modern painting. The Hanzi character in this painting (潔) means “clean”, which is combined with the image of a lotus flower as a symbol of a clean soul and a clean life.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 30 x 30 cm | Year: 2021
This work is about the positive characteristics of the Chinese-Indonesian: adaptability and high tolerance. The Chinese people in Indonesia are able to preserve the existence of their original traditions and culture in the midst of modern times.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Size: 120 x 67 cm | Year: 2019
This work represents toughness and struggle. The history of Chinese Indonesian is filled with struggles about identity and equality. The toughness is represented by a strong woman's face decorated with line art that contains symbols that are closely related to the traditions, culture and beliefs of the Chinese people.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Size: 120 x 67 cm | Year: 2019
The hanzi character in this work means "love". Love can turn ugliness into beauty. The transformation of ugliness into beauty is symbolized by a beautiful butterfly that actually comes from a caterpillar, a disgusting animal.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Size: 148 x 125 cm | Year: 2018
The contrasting composition between the background and the foreground which is facing each other represents the tension that may occur between traditional values in the midst of modernization that is impossible to avoid. This work is an expression of an invitation to preserve the traditional values of the Chinese culture as part of our original identity in the midst of globalization.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Size: 148 x 125 cm | Year: 2018
The natural beauty of the mountains and hills is one of the characteristics of the Chinese landscape. Landscape that depicts the beauty of mountains and hills is also the most powerful aesthetic character in Chinese painting. This painting is a tribute to traditional Chinese art that is processed with modern painting styles and techniques.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 120 x 180 cm | Year: 2015
This painting is an expression of the simple joy of a child and her dream that can take her flying high, to achieve whatever he aspires to.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Size: 190 x 95 cm | Year: 2020
A child who closes his eyes is seen playing hide and seek, the background is a typical Chinese mountain landscape. Other visual elements can be seen in the form of line art that depicts the traditional values of Chinese society. The Chinese characters meaning "destiny" are painted in black. This painting is my hope that our children will have a good destiny and not forget the background of their cultural identity.
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas | Size: 325 x 121 cm | Year: 2021
This painting shows a young woman in a modern style surrounded by several pictures containing symbols related to the traditional values of Chinese society. this work
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