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Google Doodle celebrates Bagong Kussudiardja’s 89th anniversary
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Born in Yogyakarta in 1928, Bagong was recognized as a choreographer, painter, sculptor and poet. (Google.co.id/File)
G
oogle Indonesia is celebrating Bagong Kussudiardja’s 89th birthday by posting a doodle illustrating the legendary artist with paintbrush in hand as well as costumed dancers.
Born in Yogyakarta in 1928, Bagong was recognized as a choreographer, painter, sculptor and poet.
On the Google Doodle page, the artist is said to have choreographed more than 200 dances in creative, yet intricate style.
Read also: Google Doodle celebrates 'Pak' Raden’s 84th birthday
Bagong’s career kicked off after Indonesia’s independence in 1945. The father of veteran actors Butet Kartaredjasa and Djaduk Ferianto honed his skills by studying Japanese and Indian dances.
In 1957 and 1958, Bagong is said to have trained under legendary choreographer Martha Graham, who was known for her boundary-breaking techniques. The artist then combined the modern moves with traditional Indonesian dances.
After his training, he founded Pusat Latihan Tari Bagong Kussudiardja (Bagong Kussudiardja Center for Dance) in 1958, followed by Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardja (Bagong Kussudiardja Center for the Arts) in 1978. (kes)
