Untitled (Self Portrait),

Cement
20 x 35 x 68 cm
Collection of Galeri Nasional Indonesia


It is unclear as to when exactly Edhi Sunarso made this work. Based on the form and materials, it is likely that he made it after returning from Santiniketan, India, in 1957. There, Edhi had studied with Ramkinkar Baij, a sculptor who was famous for adapting classic Indian sculpture through using cement plaster and mud. His works generally are figurative which affirm his closeness to his subject. Edhi follows the same process through using his own face, as a means to show the expression he is most familiar with in sculptural form. A large number of facial expressions on the monuments that were ordered by Sukarno reference his own face.

This could also be read as his means to indicate his identification with the people whom he seeks to defend.

 

About the Artist

Torso was a means for Edhi to experiment with form. Much of Edhi’s work was sponsored by the state, but he also took opportunities to make his own work and and develop his artistic practice which reflected his own humanity and beliefs. In this sculpture, Edhi worked with what was possible. As such, the “torso”, depicted something quite different from what was implied by the title. Through figurative carving, he created various interpretations. Through distorting the form, Edhi showed his interest in conveying a greater message of humanity than just the accuracy of figurative replication.


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