Lot 47
EDDIE HARA
B. Indonesia, 1957
Java, 1995
Signed, dated and titled “Eddie Hara, Java 1995” on lower middle
Acrylic on canvas
71 x 90 cm
Provenance Private Collection Singapore
Formerly in the Private Collection of a Distinguished Collector in Jakarta, Indonesia
RM 7,000 – RM 10,000
The exotic and enigmatic Eddie Hara was born in 1957, in Salatiga, Central Java, Indonesia. Eddie, one of Indonesia’s most prolific artists has single-handedly contributed to the birth of a new genre through a display of distinct visual language, heavily generated by the wildness and innocence of raw art.
When discerning Eddie Hara’s works, there are several characters that remain persistent, such as the jellyfish, shark, the squid, the rabbit, the hat-wearing shoe or boot, and the human skull – often flying or somersaulting. While at first glance, these creatures seem fun and merry, they deliberately depict the ambiguity of human nature, social norms and values – an inner battle of angels and demons.
In Eddie’s maverick manner, these creatures are often portrayed laughing or gay, in vibrant, cheerful colours. The eyes on the other hand, carry a different meaning – one that alters laugh into sinister a sneer, while their hands often grip a range of weapons. In recent years, the artist has been incorporating a variety of icons that represent such as skulls and fanged masks.