LOT 17
Basoeki Abdullah
B. Indonesia, 1915-1992
Seascape
Signed “R.BASUKI ABDULLAH” on lower left
Oil on canvas
68 x 137 cm
Provenance Private Collection, USA
RM 26,000 – RM 30,000
Basoeki Abdullah was known for his mesmerising portraits of equally hypnotising women, but this time he paints a landscape so beautifully, emulating the serenity and awe that comes with the moment. He employs Romanticism in this piece, as there is a blend of a little bit of mystery, some elusiveness and some fantasy. There is a sincere and admiring atmosphere, and perhaps it is the artist’s own feelings and mood that was captured as well. The landscape is definitely awe-inspiring, but combined with Basoeki’s own elements and personality; it becomes a rich, exquisite painting.
Basoeki Abdullah’s work has been characterised as realistic and naturalistic and is exhibited at the Indonesian Art Gallery. He was trained formally at the Academie Voor Beeldende Kunsten at The Hague, and was an art teacher during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. He became internationally well-known after the war and granted him the opportunity to paint the official portrait of President Suharto. He was also known to paint landscapes apart from portraits.