Private collection, Indonesia; accompanied with certificate from artist
Description
Ponsel (Mobile) is Mulyadi Wirjo Soedarmo’s interpretation of the 21st century with technological culture taking over the world by storm. A youthful woman is illustrated listening attentively to a caller on her mobile phone – too absorbed in the act to take notice of her surroundings although in solitude and isolation - an ordinary scene in modern context. Mulyadi’s signature figures of the 1960s - full of grace and tenderness - are applied in the present’s cultural norm. The intricacy of her floralmotif top is the focal point of an otherwise minimal background executed in shades of wine red and bold blood red. Appearing at Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers auction for the first time, Mulyadi is one of Indonesia’s important modern artists.
Mulyadi Wirjo Soedarmo also known as Mulyadi W. attended Akademi Seni Rupa Indonesia (ASRI), Jogjakarta, Indonesia from 1955 to 1959. In 1969, he established an art association alongside fellow ASRI alumnus namely Sunarto Pr, Danarto, Wardoyo in Jogjakarta and became its leader in 1972. Besides painting, Mulyadi W. is also known as a sculptor and illustrator for magazines Horison and Si Kuncung (children’s book), among others.