PUTU SUTAWIJAYA

One of Indonesian contemporary's foremost expressionist painters, Putu Sutawijaya has recently produced a number of candi (temple) paintings; works that celebrate the artist's longstanding desire to elevate viewers to a more tranquil and serene plane, away from the harsher realties of disorder and complexities in life. Candi Brahu (Lot 2574) is one of the artist's most striking new works. Portrayed within this monumental canvas is the largest temple in Trowulan, Central Java. The word 'Brahu' comes from "Wanaru" or "Warahu", which is the name of a holy building. In front of the candi monument, figures are gathered, each one a devotee or a peaceseeker nestled in his own holiness but collectively part of a imaginary ceremony paying homage to the religion and spirituality of ancient deities and kingdoms.