Edhi Sunarso, Two Thinkers, Undated
Solid teakwood
50 x 35 x 40 cm
Condition: Very good
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Edhi Sunarso (Indonesian, b. 1932) was an Indonesian sculptor known for his monumental public works that helped shape the visual identity of post-independence Indonesia. His early life was marked by his involvement in the Indonesian struggle for independence, during which he was captured and imprisoned by Dutch forces. It was during this period that he began drawing, laying the foundation for his artistic career. After his release, he studied at the Indonesian College of Fine Arts in Yogyakarta and later received a UNESCO scholarship to further his studies in India.
Sunarso is best known for creating some of Indonesia’s most iconic monuments, including the Selamat Datang Monument, the West Irian Liberation Monument and the Dirgantara Monument in Jakarta. Often commissioned during the presidency of Sukarno, his works reflect themes of nationalism, heroism and collective identity. In addition to his public sculptures, he was also an educator and played a key role in developing sculpture as a discipline in Indonesia. His contributions have made him a central figure in the history of modern Indonesian sculpture.
Carved from solid teak, Two Thinkers reveals a quieter, more contemplative dimension of the maestro best known for monumental public works. While Edhi Sunarso shaped the nation’s visual identity through iconic landmarks such as the Selamat Datang Monument in Jakarta, this intimate sculpture turns inward—toward reflection, dialogue, and human connection. The two seated figures, rendered with expressive yet restrained gestures, embody a silent exchange of ideas. Their grounded posture and simplified forms speak to Edhi’s mastery of volume and emotional weight, translating the grandeur of his public monuments into a deeply personal scale. In the warm grain of teak, time itself feels embedded—inviting viewers to pause, to contemplate, and to recognize thought as a shared and enduring act of humanity.
(Photographed in April 2026)