Wayang

Hendra Gunawan's affinity with the traditional wayang kulit is always discussed in the context of the artist's penchant with the boisterous colours and his depiction of his elongated, feminine figures, often accentuating their side profiles, much like the traditional puppetry.

The influence of theatre on Hendra is no coincidental. He had joined a theatrical group when he was nineteen and painted, danced and acted in the group. It has long been acknowledged that Hendra borrows his colours from the wayang kulit and the traditional batik textile and this characteristic is evident in all of his works including the present lot.

With the present lot, the artist pays his due to the traditional motif more explicitly as he selects it as his subject. The usage of an ancient motif is a common practice to many Modern artists for various reasons. Hendra as an artist who is keenly concerned with the relevance of his works to his fellow people would find the wayang imagery very appealing. The image is highly popular and recognizable by both the artistic elites as well as the masses; a bridge between the ancient culture and the artistic expression of the day.