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Back in Bandung: Chusin's artistic journey
Renowned realist painter Chusin Setiadikara finally returns home after 32 years for his solo exhibition.
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On camera: A visitor takes pictures of Chusin Setiadikara’s work titled "Fish and Wood Scale" at his exhibition in Bandung, West Java. (JP/Arya Dipa)
I
t took 32 years before painter Chusin Setiadikara finally returned to his birthplace in Bandung, West Java, the place where he first learned his craft, for his solo exhibition.
In the exhibition, titled Balik Bandung (Back to Bandung) held at Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, the 70-year-old, renowned for his realism works, invited the public to interpret the dynamism he had perceived throughout his career.
Over the last two years, the artist has focused his works on durian found inside kresek (plastic bags) as seen through the displayed pieces Durian in Kresek #1 and Durian in Kresek #2, looking like photographic works.
In these paintings, Chusin perfectly replicated the elasticity of the bag with the durian inside, its sharp thorns protruding from the thin material.
The artist said his fascination with durian came out of his anxiety.
“I want to focus on disharmony. Since the time of [former president] Soeharto, conflict has been brewing and it peaked in 1998. But until now, it’s still not settled — even increasing,” Chusin said at the exhibition, which has been extended to Oct. 27.
