Central Javanese by ethnicity, Widi S. Martodiharjo was born and raised in the bustling hill city of Bandung, once nicknamed the Paris of Java. There, he studied fine arts and design at Pasundan University.Martodiharjo’s career began as a photographer of jewelry and small objects during the day and as a graphic designer by night, creating layouts and illustrations for a variety of publications.
In the footsteps of Javanese mystics following a ‘calling’, Martodiharjo through in the towel and moved to Bali in 2005 where he went into a period of isolation during which he experimented incessantly, making hundreds of drawings. He felt that art was under appreciated in Indonesia. In particular he was obsessed with the concept and function of the line in art, expressed in his enigmatic observation that “all lines have meaning and lead somewhere.”
The result of this period was a series of fantastic drawings of all sizes. Notably he limited himself to simple materials – brown paper, ballpoint pens, common pencils supplemented occasionally by a graphic ink pen and acrylic paint. The work shows a clear evolution from natural and anthropomorphic forms to an increasing penchant for abstract, almost mechanical ‘plants’.
According to the artist the uniting theme of all his work is the relationship between “God, Man and Nature”. He also speaks of himself as someone “Waiting for Godot” in reference to the absurd play by Samuel Beckett. Since 2008 Martodiharjo has settled in Ubud, Bali where he continues his unique exploration, while he waits for the coming of Godot...
Exhibition date: May 14 - June 8
Exhibition opening: May 14 at 6:30 - 8 pm.
Gallery opening hours: 9 am - 6 pm.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay Jimbaran, Denpasar 80361, Bali Indonesia
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