森蘇·阿里凡

This work is in good overall condition as viewed, as is the canvas, which is clear and taut. There is evidence of very small abrasions along the edges of the canvas, where the canvas wraps around the stretcher bar, but this does not take away from the overall quality of the work. There is an extremely faint 5 ½ inch diagonal white scuff at upper left quadrant, probably inherent to the work. There is a very minor pinhole sized brown accretion at pink pigment at top of pencil sharpener. Any inconsistency is due to the artist's working method. Unframed, on a Stretcher.
"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."

"Samsul is more known [for] his paintings [of] ...stationery tools such as pencils and erasers, with Goni... as [merely] a small detail in his works. [Actually], Goni is the main character of Samsul's works as a whole, and [is] presented in almost all of his works since he [began to actively participate] in various exhibitions [since 2005]...Goni initially came up during the time when Samsul was doing his Final Project at ISI, even though Samsul had often done various explorations of three-dimensional object making before, particularly with cloth and yarn. He is a signifier of Samsul's discovery of subject –matter, an embodiment of symbolism that can be regarded as Samsul's own alter-ego... or an imaginary character that reflects Samsul's observation of himself and his life as well as what is happening in his surroundings. According to Samsul, Goni is meant [to be] a symbol of an innocent person, unprivileged, uncorrupted, simple and 'blank', as described by his minimalist form with wide, doe eyes, seemingly [always fascinated] and curious about the world outside.

- Farah Wardhani, Goni's Journey: Episode 1, Gallery Semarang, July 26-August 9, 2008, exh. cat.