Up and coming Indonesian artist, Anin Baroto is having an exhibit of his unique art pieces entitled “Indonesian Expressions” at the Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd., Manila from March 1-31.
The opening night on March 1 was graced by Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr.Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo.
The exhibit features more than 50 artworks ranging from abstracts to one-of-a kind religious art. Abstracts range from landscapes to still life, focusing on Indonesian naturescapes and cultural objects, while his “Christian Faith” series features realistic portraits of the Holy Family, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Blessed Virgin Mary and even Blessed Pope John Paul II rendered on intricately engraved carabao skin as canvas with unique Indonesian traditional prints. The artworks, despite the diverse range of styles, are uniquely Indonesian, and show the artist’s own masterful technique and perspective.
Anin Baroto is an Indonesian citizen and a businessman by profession. He is a graduate of the Masters in Fine Arts program of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Primarily a master realist and portrait artist, he has lately branched off into expressionist art, as part of his evolving artistic style.
Mr. Anindito’s paintings capture common objects, Indonesian landscapes, cultural symbols and artifacts, and bring them to life through bold colors and strokes conveying his emotions and pride for his culture. His “Wayang Series” shows off the liveliness and the interplay between light, color and the figures of the Indonesian shadow puppet theater. Meanwhile his “Abstract” and “Seascape” series use more somber shades, skillfully showing the artist’s more reflective mood.
Of late, his portraits of religious figures and icons have become sought-after pieces in Manila and in Indonesia for their unique rendition, as the portraits are painted and framed on carabao skin and embellished with colorful and meticulously carved patterns, evoking Indonesian art. Some can even be displayed showing the front and back, as they are “double portraits”, encased in glass.
Last year, Mr. Anindito introduced the Wayang Wahyu or the biblical Wayang to the Philippines, which is a contradiction of sorts, as it combines the old and the new, and a cross-over of cultures and religions. The Wayang Wahyu uses Hindu-Islamic influenced art to propagate Catholicism in a predominantly Islamic population, presented through the puppet theater, Indonesia’s masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. He previously presented the Wayang Wahyu through a series of exhibits held at various museums in Manila, such as the UST Museum, GSIS Museum, the NCCA, as well as in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
“Indonesian Expressions” runs until March 31 and is open to the public. For more information on the exhibit and the artworks, please contact Karen Tumaliuan at 09175694100/ indonesianexpression@gmail.com. (advt)