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Lot Essay
Besta Bestrizal is a widely lauded Indonesian visual artist whose works explore and question the value of what it means to be human in today's society. Addressing complex themes related to life and the struggle of human existence, his pieces are easily identifiable by their surrealistic scenarios, intricate details, and strong subject emphasis through the artist's minimalist but effective execution with charcoal, resulting in deeply intriguing monochromatic compositions.
In Unity in Diversity- Bring Us To the Top of the Sky, Bestrizal presents a magnificent photorealist landscape backed by cascading mountains and snow-topped peaks. Dominating the work's composition is a combination of masculine animals: a stag, an alpine ibex and a majestic lion, all regally perched atop the highest mountain as an eagle descends from above, its glorious outspread wings spanning the width of this monumental piece.
The animals are brought to the forefront as the sublime scenery behind them recedes into the distance, creating an exquisite visual impression of depth and space, whilst lending the work a sense of gravitas as the viewer is brought face to face with some of nature's most dignified creatures. Interestingly, Bestrizal chooses to depict a serene gathering of both predator and prey— the lion and the eagle are traditionally seen in the wild as more dominant beasts compared to the deer. Positioned side by side as equals as they face an unknown future that lies beyond the view, the lion looks to the sky in a poignant image symbolising aspiration and hope. The stag on the other hand, looks to us, the viewers, in a sign of appeal that draws us into the symbolism and message imbued within the scene.
With his portrayal of unity in diversity—as the artwork is so grippingly titled—Bestrizal invites us to aspire to transcend above the current state of inequality within the world, and move towards a higher and more enlightened existence where Man and animal, regardless of race, religion, culture or species, are able to stand together in strength, harmony and respect. The sky as a symbol of happiness, clarity and most importantly freedom, is also significant, for it holds the promise of a life unclouded by the prejudices and worries of the past. The artist ultimately believes that it is through the power of harmony and solidarity that we can achieve a greater future for all.
In this beautifully rendered and moving composition, Besta Bestrizal has captured the imagination of his viewers through his productive engagement between humanity and art. His highly realistic and detailed representations with charcoal, coupled with an intelligent engagement with the contemporary world not only affirms his place as one of the best emerging contemporary Indonesian figurative painters today, but also makes his art extremely relevant to his audience no matter their culture.
In Unity in Diversity- Bring Us To the Top of the Sky, Bestrizal presents a magnificent photorealist landscape backed by cascading mountains and snow-topped peaks. Dominating the work's composition is a combination of masculine animals: a stag, an alpine ibex and a majestic lion, all regally perched atop the highest mountain as an eagle descends from above, its glorious outspread wings spanning the width of this monumental piece.
The animals are brought to the forefront as the sublime scenery behind them recedes into the distance, creating an exquisite visual impression of depth and space, whilst lending the work a sense of gravitas as the viewer is brought face to face with some of nature's most dignified creatures. Interestingly, Bestrizal chooses to depict a serene gathering of both predator and prey— the lion and the eagle are traditionally seen in the wild as more dominant beasts compared to the deer. Positioned side by side as equals as they face an unknown future that lies beyond the view, the lion looks to the sky in a poignant image symbolising aspiration and hope. The stag on the other hand, looks to us, the viewers, in a sign of appeal that draws us into the symbolism and message imbued within the scene.
With his portrayal of unity in diversity—as the artwork is so grippingly titled—Bestrizal invites us to aspire to transcend above the current state of inequality within the world, and move towards a higher and more enlightened existence where Man and animal, regardless of race, religion, culture or species, are able to stand together in strength, harmony and respect. The sky as a symbol of happiness, clarity and most importantly freedom, is also significant, for it holds the promise of a life unclouded by the prejudices and worries of the past. The artist ultimately believes that it is through the power of harmony and solidarity that we can achieve a greater future for all.
In this beautifully rendered and moving composition, Besta Bestrizal has captured the imagination of his viewers through his productive engagement between humanity and art. His highly realistic and detailed representations with charcoal, coupled with an intelligent engagement with the contemporary world not only affirms his place as one of the best emerging contemporary Indonesian figurative painters today, but also makes his art extremely relevant to his audience no matter their culture.