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Handiwirman Saputra’s enigmatic world
Indonesian artist Handiwirman Saputra believes art should not be seen in black and white and for him, artwork is just a medium to communicate beauty from the creator’s perspective.
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Handiwirman Saputra. (JP/A. Kurniawan Ulung)
I
ndonesian artist Handiwirman Saputra believes art should not be seen in black and white and for him, artwork is just a medium to communicate beauty from the creator’s perspective.
Handiwirman failed to finish his education at the Indonesia Art Institute (ISI) but that did not stop him from receiving international recognition for his enigmatic works.
He recently returned from Italy, where he showcased his works at the 58th Venice Art Biennale, to take some time off for a simple holiday with his children in Yogyakarta.
Handiwirman recalled that they had complained when he was preparing for the exhibition because he was rarely seen at home for months.
“I was in my studio every day, working until midnight. By the time I was home, they were already asleep. I even worked on Sundays,” the father of three said, laughing.
“They demanded that I fulfill my promise to spend most of my time with them. I am not allowed to visit my studio now.”
Handiwirman made a name for himself as the third Indonesian artist to be invited to participate in the Venice Art Biennale after maestro painter Affandi in 1954 and renowned artist Heri Dono in 2003.
