Indonesian maestro painter Jeihan Sukmantoro passed away on Friday evening at 81 years old at his studio in Padasuka subdistrict, Cimenyan district, Bandung regency, West Java.

According to his eldest son, Atasi Amin, Jeihan had been hospitalized at Borromeus Hospital in Bandung due to health complications. 

The late painter had lymphoma and underwent surgery in January. However, the cancer was found to have spread to his lungs, heart, stomach and intestines. Atasi said his father had also experienced a stroke and kidney disease.

Following surgery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jeihan had been hospitalized several times and his health began to further deteriorate. 

While receiving treatment at Borromeus Hospital on Wednesday, he requested that he be treated at home, as he wanted to return to his art studio.

His burial is set for Saturday at a cemetery near his studio. He is survived by his wife Sri Sunarsih, six children and 11 grandchildren.

Artist and Bandung Institute of Technology lecturer Tisna Sanjaya said Jeihan was a humanist painter who created many works that revealed the softer side of changes in human civilization.

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“His paintings are unique. Each human figure he painted had dark eyes, mystery and  a thrilling soul,” said Tisna.

Jeihan also painted with depth, he added. “He contemplated souls. It's difficult to find a great painter with such strong determination. Indonesia has lost a maestro who was able to approach and merge the affairs of humanity.” (kes)