Idonesian Artist Weaving Light and Color in a Celebration of Rich Cultures

THE JAKARATA GLOBE
By Tunggul Wirajuda

A central features of Rasmono Sudarjo's painting is his use of light. (JG Photos/Tunggul Wirajuda)

INDONESIA---For the painter Rasmono Sudarjo, portraying Mount Bromo and its neighboring peaks of Semeru and Tengger in a new light is all in a day’s work. Instead of taking the higher ground to show Bromo’s iconic crater or the green ridgelines ubiquitous to the three peaks, the 67-year-old chose to portray the “Sea of Sands” in the painting “Bromo.” Beams of sunlight shine on the ceremonial procession, affirming the participants’ belief that a divine presence is heeding them. Rasmono also pays tribute to the age-old ceremony for its timelessness, and how it and other traditional religious ceremonies seem to confirm the Balinese people’s identity. [link]