Open to the public
Register by August 26, 2013

Raden Saleh Sjarif Boestaman (1807/1811-1880) was a Romantic painter from the Dutch East-Indies who gained popularity in Europe. Born to Javanese aristocracy, he first learned to paint from A. A. J. Payen. Payen then interceded on his behalf so that he could travel to the Netherlands, where Raden Saleh learned to paint landscapes and portraits. For twenty years, he resided in a number of cities in Europe, including Dresden. He also gave influence the development of art in Germany. He returned to the Dutch East-Indies in 1851, and began working as conservator for paintings in the colonial government’s collection. He also painted portraits of many Javanese aristocrats.

Raden Saleh is often considered as the pioneer of Indonesian Modernist paintings. The problem, however, lies in the fact that Indonesia had yet to exist then. At that time, it was [still] the Dutch East-Indies. Indonesia as a political discourse only emerged during the beginning of the 20th century. So why do people consider Raden Saleh as pioneer of Indonesian modern art? Is it true that Raden Saleh devised an artistic vision that would be practiced by the pillars of Indonesian modern art in the 20th century?

This event welcomes Nirwan Dewanto as speaker. He will talk about Raden Saleh’s career based on a variety of sources. In addition to his work as art curator, Nirwan Dewanto is also a poet and essayist.