Surjosoebroto Abdullah Paintings

Surjosoebroto Abdullah, also known as S. Sudjojono, was a prominent Indonesian painter and is often referred to as the 'father of modern Indonesian art.' He was born on December 14, 1918, in Kisaran, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Sudjojono was a key figure in the development of modern art in Indonesia and is renowned for his critical stance towards the Mooi Indie (Beautiful Indies) style, which he considered to be an idealized depiction of Indonesia that catered to colonial tastes rather than reflecting the reality of the country's life and struggles.

Sudjojono's early education was in engineering, but his passion for art led him to pursue a career in painting. In the 1930s, he joined the PERSAGI (Persatuan Ahli-Ahli Gambar Indonesia, Association of Indonesian Draughtsmen), which was the first artists' organization in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) that aimed to create a form of art based on national identity and reality. His work was characterized by strong social commentary and a focus on Indonesian nationalism, which set him apart from his contemporaries who were more focused on aesthetic beauty and romanticized landscapes.

Throughout his career, Sudjojono produced a vast body of work that included not only paintings but also drawings and sketches. He was an outspoken critic of colonialism and a proponent of social realism. His paintings often depicted the everyday life of Indonesian people, and he emphasized the importance of drawing from life rather than relying on imagination. This approach influenced many Indonesian artists who followed him.

In addition to his artistic contributions, Sudjojono was also involved in politics and education. He was an active member of the Indonesian Communist Party for a time and later became involved in educational initiatives, teaching art and advocating for its importance in Indonesian culture.

Sudjojono's legacy continues to inspire Indonesian artists and his works are held in high regard both in Indonesia and internationally. He passed away on March 31, 1993, leaving behind a rich legacy that has had a lasting impact on the art world in Indonesia. His ideas and teachings continue to influence generations of Indonesian artists in their quest to express their national identity through art.