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Yan
Suryana has been a professional artist since 1980.
Yan
Suryana was born in Bandung, Java in 1956, raised in Indonesia, and eventually
settled in Bali in 1987, drawn by its intensity and inspired by the endless
colours and drama of Balinese daily life.
The
artist settled in Bali because of the legendary island’s strong connection to art,
and the inspiration that he continually finds there “Wherever you look, there is
art,” he enthuses. “It is in everything – in the dances, the ceremonies, the
offerings. Bali is living art.”
Self-taught, Yan has travelled extensively throughout Indonesia studying the
diverse people, cultures and customs of his country for inspiration. He lived for
two years in Austria and has travelled widely in Europe.
An
exhibition with Affandi, in Bandung in 1986, was a turning point in Yan’s career,
after which his art became more powerful and popular as his distinctive style
continued to evolve.
Yan
now lives and works in the village of Petulu near Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.
His
work has been exhibited in:
Indonesia 1986-1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007
Austria 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2007
Switzerland 1996
Germany 2000, 2005
United
States 1997, 2004, 2005
Yan
Suryana’s paintings grace the homes of collectors in Europe, in the US and in
Australia and Russia. |
Yan
Suryana’s work is characterized by bold, powerful compositions and intimate
vignettes of daily life, ritual and culture. Yan’s depiction of Balinese life is
intense yet disarming. His works celebrate the spirit and mysticism of this exotic
island.
Yan’s
large canvasses feature graceful figures intent on daily activities, devotional
and enraptured temple dancers and voluptuous, dreaming nudes. Some paintings tell
a story, others highlight the foibles of human nature. All of Yan’s works seem to
effortlessly capture the richness and essence of Balinese life.
A
trademark of his work is the strong use of colour, applied with a palette knife.
This technique was inspired by his two-year sojourn in Austria.
Yan
uses muted but accurate detail in representing the heavy textures of the
traditional fabrics worn in daily life and for ritual dance. The subtle, luminous
Indonesian skin tones glow through the intricate lace blouses (kebaya) worn to
temple ceremonies by Balinese women. The rich tactile quality of Yan’s treatment
of cloth contrasts with and accentuates the translucent tones of skin and flesh.
Yan’s
work is also set apart by the treatment of his subjects’ eyes. All are depicted
with an inward gaze that seems to express peacefulness and devotion. The women’s
heavy-lidded eyes are often painted with the vibrant blues and reds that are
applied for temple ceremonies. Yan’s figures magically convey humour, interest
and love without ever opening their eyes fully to the viewer.
Yan’s
work is inspired by his travels in Europe and America and by his village in Bali,
his Austrian wife and his children.
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