Haji Widayat, Burung-Burung (Birds), 1995

Watercolour and marker on canvas
40 x 60 cm
Condition: Very good
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Haji Widayat was a seminal figure in Indonesian modern art, known for his uniquely stylised depictions of nature and mystical symbolism. Born in Central Java, Widayat studied at the ASRI art school in Yogyakarta and furthered his education in the Netherlands. His works are often rich with folkloric references, organic forms, and spiritual overtones, blending Javanese visual traditions with modernist approaches.

Throughout his career, Widayat developed a distinct aesthetic language marked by rhythmic compositions, vibrant colours, and detailed ornamentation. His paintings frequently feature animals, plants, and mythical creatures, not merely as subjects but as carriers of symbolic meaning. In this way, Widayat’s art functions as a visual cosmology—one deeply informed by his cultural roots and personal philosophies.

Recognised as a painter, educator, and intellectual, Widayat contributed to the institutional and philosophical development of Indonesian art. He founded the Widayat Museum in Magelang, which continues to preserve his legacy and vision. His work remains influential for its synthesis of the mystical, the decorative, and the modern.

(Photographed in April 2025)