- 418
Sudjana Kerton
Description
- Sudjana Kerton
- Roses
- Signed and dated 1960; signed, inscribed and dated June 28 1960 on the reverse
- Oil on canvas fixed on board
- 40.5 by 30.5 cm.; 16 by 12 in.
Provenance
Private Collection, USA
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Like many other Indonesian artists at the time, Kerton began studying art as an apprentice, due to the lack of formal training available. However, he was eventually provided the opportunity to study art in Holland, as part of an initiative by STICUSA (Foundation for Cultural Co-operation between Indonesia and Holland). His works during this period were no longer about the political unrest of Indonesia, but rather an eagerness to understand the artistic conventions in Western art. Painted during this period, Roses is the record of Kerton’s development of what will later be his personal artistic style. Although the still-life genre has often been seen to demand less creativity and intellect, Kerton understood the importance of studying objects in his artistic practice. Balance and composition are essential in such representations, as the slightest disproportion would be immediately visible to the viewer. The relationship of one object to another, in order to achieve a cohesive whole requires the acute observation and focus of the artist in order to achieve a harmonious image.
It is precisely this attention to detail and understanding of visual coherence that came to inform his later style, which he developed upon returning to Indonesia. His new inspiration, as well as his newly-acquired technical ability propelled his artistic career to new heights. Roses is significant to Kerton’s oeuvre as it marks his rise to artistic maturity.