Competition of Life

Distinctively different from Suraji's iconic works that are highly influenced by nature, Competition of Life (Lot 153) is instead a narrative that celebrates the revolutionary period of Indonesia in 1998. Highly influenced by the positive changes that happened during this significant socio-political climate change, Suraji depicts – in this awardwinning piece – a combusted scene with sea of people from different backgrounds moving towards one direction with excitement. Figures are seen presented as being piled on top of one another, racing in the same direction and togetherness, to achieve a better life and build a better country. Suraji balances the dense composition with a subtle choice of colour dominated by the tone of yellow used to depict his figures, reflecting his artist's vision of unity in diversity in this dramatic piece. Exploration and development of Suraji's signature artistry in rendering his chosen subject-matter can be seen in this painting: he uses a sharp tool to delicately scrape the wet acrylic paint, introducing tactile quality and a sense of depth to his work. Considered as one of the most important early works from Suraji's pivotal period in artistic progression, Competition of Life is Suraji's most ambitious work in this pivotal period, showcasing an intricate weaving of elements that result inan inextricable harmony. Through this monumental ground-breaking piece, Suraji showcases his remarkable artistry in the start to his journey of artistic development.