But Muchtar, My Love (Kesayangan), 1963

Bronze
56 x 17 x 20 cm
Condition: Very good

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But Muchtar (Indonesian, 1930–1993) was an artist known for his contributions to modern abstract art in Indonesia. He studied at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), where he was influenced by the formalist approach to art that emphasised structure, composition and the exploration of visual elements. Over time, he developed a practice centred on abstraction, focusing on the relationship between form, space and colour rather than representational imagery.

Created in 1963, My Love (Kesayangan) embodies the lyrical sensitivity and modernist language that define But Mochtar as one of Indonesia’s pioneering sculptors of the post-independence era. Cast in solid bronze and weighing approximately 16 kilograms, the work balances material strength with emotional nuance, transforming a dense and enduring medium into an intimate expression of affection. Rather than depicting love literally, the sculpture distills it into flowing contours and refined abstraction, allowing form, rhythm, and proportion to convey feeling. Its subtle patina and shifting silhouettes invite viewers to move around it, experiencing the interplay of mass and void from every angle. In My Love, bronze becomes both anchor and metaphor—timeless, grounded, and quietly powerful—reflecting the artist’s belief that sculpture is not merely an object in space, but a vessel for inner emotion made tangible.

Acquired from a private collector.

(Photographed in April 2026)