(Indonesian, 1923-2002)

Born in 1923, Widayat was among the first batch of students at the Indonesian Academy of Fine Arts (ASRI), Yogjakarta. Upon graduating from the academy in 1954, he worked as a teacher in the academy. A pioneer in the art of a uniquely Indonesian decorative art, his work is often described as being enchanting and magical. Rhythmically repeating motifs derived mythology or religious literature and rendering them in a style similar to primitive and traditional art, his works are rich in texture, vibrant in colour, and full of deep symbolism. It is precisely for this reason that Widayat has been likened by some to Pablo Picasso. Seribu Topeng (One Thousand Masks) (Lot 245) can be read as a celebration of Indonesia's official national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Each individual mask rendered on canvas is unique and conveys different emotions: some are frightening, while others are decorative, but all congregated in the centre of the canvas as a whole, and never presented individually. This brings to mind Les Desmoiselle d'Avignon by Picasso, in which he was inspired greatly by the primitive designs of Iberian art, as well as African tribal masks. Widayat's use of a predominantly muted palette of organic browns, blues and greens clearly show the influence of primitive art in his own work. To the artist, the prehistoric nature of these masks represent the idea of a legacy and in this work, specifically that of his cultural heritage.