War and peace

Hendra Gunawan, War and Peace, 1950s, oil on canvas, 93 x 140 cm, collection of National Heritage Board

War and Peace was painted during a period of intense ideological division amongst artists in Indonesia. The painting was not merely a document about the fight for independence but a powerful reminder for Indonesians to revive the spirit of the anti-colonial Revolution, a spirit that must be retained during a time of intense soul searching. Hendra’s brushstrokes are expressive and brisk, heavy textures countered by sinuous lines – it is a painting of extreme tension.

The two fighters – although poorly equipped – look into the distance with a heightened vigil, attentive to any potential danger or opportunity. This is not a painting prompted by nostalgia, but rather a message to those that may succumb to imperialist influences.

Hendra Gunawan was born in West Java in 1945 following the return of the Dutch to Indonesia, Hendra joined the Revolution. During this period, he formed Pelukis Rakyat (People’s Painters) together with Affandi. In 1950, the group aligned itself with LEKRA (Lembaga Kebudayaan Rakyat – Institute of People’s Culture), a cultural arm of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

From 1950 to 1957 he taught at the Indonesian Art Academy (ASRI) and painted nationalistic themes, based on the difficult and heroic anti- colonial struggles. With the dramatic fall of the communists in 1965, Hendra and other members of LEKRA were imprisoned. He was released only in 1978 to continue a highly successful artistic career.