Hendra Gunawan, Family Portrait, 1968
What you need to know about Hendra Gunawan:
Indonesian. Parents divorced when young.
1st wife was a Sundanese woman.
In 1942 fighting broke out in Indonesia against the Dutch Colonial Government.
Upon Indonesia's victory, Gunawan began to paint patriotic posters. Fell into poverty during this time.
In 1945, started an artist community called Frontline Painters. Invited dropouts and unemployed youth who wished to be his students to come to the studio. Studio gained nationwide influence.
Began to gain an identity as a freedom fighter, being pro-communist. In 1965, the government went through a violent change of hands to a Pro-Western and anti-communist government that would last for 32 years. In 1965-1978, Gunawan was detained (put in prison) by the new government. He was imprisoned due to his political ties, and paintings of controversial subject matter (including those of prostitutes).
Throughout his life, his subject matter of his artworks have dealt with the working class, politics, and documentation of daily life.
Questions:
1. Describe the painting.
2. What can you infer about the family dynamics from this portrait? Support your answer with evidence from the painting. Remember that he painted this while in prison.
Indonesia
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