Jakarta - Sidharta auction house, which specializes in contemporary fine art and classical paintings, has announced its next sale will be of Islamic art.
The auction will be held with the cooperation of Pusat Studi Al Quran and Lentera Hati from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 15 -- days after the start of the Islamic fasting month -- at the Sultan Hotel. Viewing is from Sept. 8 to 14.
Amid the media hype in the contemporary art world over the work of blue-chip artists, the event, which is the first of its kind in the country, and the region for that matter, shows the emerging interest of serious collectors in Islamic art and architecture.
Though the Istiqlal Festivals in 1991 and late 1995 in Indonesia were comprehensive displays of Islamic arts and culture, nothing of the kind has been seen here since.
The issue of what Islamic art might be is a matter of ongoing dispute among experts in the field and laymen alike. Some understand Islamic art as being classical work from the Middle East, others find the term unduly charged with religion, preferring another description. Sotheby‘s auctions for Islamic art for instance, have taken the title of Art of the Islamic World, and the online arts magazine, Universe in Universe, uses "contemporary art from Islamic influenced countries and regions".
Sidharta‘s auction of Islamic Art encompasses 73 artworks made by 41 Indonesian painters and sculptors.
"Through the power of Asma Ulhusna, Surah and Dzikir painted on canvas, through the images of spiritual journeys reflected as visual concepts, we would be drawn into the realm of peace and contentment," Sidharta said in his introductory message in the catalog.
Included are the works of Islamic calligraphers, the appeal of which may be limited to those understanding the script. A.D. Pirous contributes the standout work of this collection, expressing himself with all the tools at his disposal, including color and movement.
In Sabar dan Selamat (asma Allah), Pirous magnifies the script against a wash of different colors, accenting it with a block of vibrant red below. In the same vein, the script in Pirous‘ Kasih dan Sayang (asma Allah) is set against a multicolored background and accented by a block of tosca-blue-green.
The paintings by Nana Banna (Purnama di Baitullah, 2006) and Taat Joeda (Ibadah 2005), featuring the Kaaba -- the focal point of the haj -- amid a sea of pilgrims, convey feelings of awe and devotion.
Pictorial depictions of God and the Prophet -- and of any other form of living being -- are generally perceived as being banned by Islam, but scholars have also said that there is little on the subject in the Koran.
The auction house has included figurative sculptures in the sale, as well as paintings featuring figures in prayer.
Artists like Tulus Warsito and Rudy S.T. Dharma have, remarkably, stepped away from the theme, with only the titles of their works hinting at their religious inspirations. Al Banana by Tulus Warsito, for instance, is a picture of a banana, and Rudi ST Dharma‘s work 33 Garis Zikir is an abstract with straight colored lines.
This is a surprising element in what is called Islamic Art. Will such new visions become an important trend in the years to come? For now, Sidharta‘s unique auction is worth noting and the pieces on display at the Sultan certainly worth a look.
Sidharta Auctioneer‘s Islamic Art Auction
15 September, 3:00-6:00 pm
The Golden Ballroom, the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta
Viewing: Sept. 8-14, 12.00-8.00 pm
At The Sultan Main Lobby and Lagoon Lobby
Phone: 021 727 88 334, 727 88366
Source: www.thejakartapost.com (11 September 2007)