The beauty of art lies not just in its final form but in the journey of creation. It’s the process that peels back the layers of creativity revealing the artist we may not know even existed, especially for those who never intended to be one! Sari Koeswoyo with her wayang paintings proves that everyone can be an artist if they’re daring enough.
Sari Koeswoyo’s wayang paintings are a contemporary take on the classic depiction of the Javanese puppet theatre, known as ‘wayang kulit’. Her works often showcase figures of wayang adorned in bright, eye-catching colours with elaborate details that emphasise their human-like characteristics. Each character is accurately depicted, from their facial features to their gestures and accessories. Each holds its own meaning that conveys emotions, personality traits and stories. The background and colours within the wayang paintings also carry their own symbolism, conveying specific messages and narratives.
The story behind Sari’s journey as an artist is as equally interesting as her paintings. Growing up as a child-celebrity, there were various paths already traversed. At a very young age she had made her name as a musician, and though the world of art wasn’t something that was foreign to her, no one had expected she’d end up as an artist.
Some may call it a fluke, others, destiny, but Sari really has no other explanation than simply waking up one day and thinking, “What if I was a wayang,” she tells us, “So then I started to make my wayang paintings, that was it.”
Sari then explains to us that her interest in wayang was not rooted in a deep-seated fascination with puppet theatre performances. Her early exposure to the art form rather piqued an interest in the specific characters, rather than the traditional stories or narratives like those from the Ramayana or Mahabharata epics. This small curiosity had taken reign over her mind and gave birth to a series of contemporary wayang paintings, taking something traditional and reimagining them on canvas with her own unique narratives and interpretations.
“For me, paintings are stories,”Sari says, and her paintings are like chapters in an expansive novel, they hold untold tales. She then presents an unfinished artwork– a portrayal of Batara Kala, a figure from Javanese mythology typically depicted as a malicious force. However, Sari’s take on him in her painting portrays a different narrative– a story of abandonment and yearning.
“What people don’t realise is that behind Kala’s mischievousness, lies a neglected soul who suffers from a lack of paternal affection. Sometimes, we have to see the other side of someone’s story,”she explains, emphasising that her art seeks to redefine traditional narratives, offering a perspective that humanises different wayang characters. “Instead of just death, Kala represents a moment frozen in time, a gateway to meeting one’s creator.”
Another painting, depicting a dark, female wayang figure, serves as an ode to motherhood and the complexities of being a woman. “She’s a superhero,” Sari declares. “A representation of the divine gift bestowed upon women.”Through symbols like a selendang (scarf) and keris (asymmetrical dagger native to Java), she illustrates the burdens and responsibilities women carry, celebrating their resilience amidst societal expectations.
“The big message in my paintings centres on Javanese feminism,” Sari elaborates. Her art champions the strength and multifaceted nature of women. Rejecting the notion of mimicking men to achieve equality, she celebrates the unique powers inherent in womanhood.
When asked about her inspirations, she speaks of her admiration for iconic artists like Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. However, she asserts that her style remains uniquely her own. “While I adore these artists, my style isn’t like theirs,” she remarks. The absence of formal art education isn’t a hindrance to Sari, either. Instead, it has given her a sense of freedom in her painting. She acknowledges the value of technique but emphasises that genuine passion supersedes technical expertise. “Techniques are good if you know them,”she says, “but without passion, they may not hold much significance.”
The process of painting for Sari begins with colours. Visualising the palette before the form, she embraces spontaneity, letting the drawings unfold organically after laying down the background hues. Her paintings come to life as she navigates the canvas, each stroke revealing the story of the wayang living vividly in her imagination.
The wayang comes alive in her mind, entering the world she has created for them called Wayang Sari. It is a space for an amalgamation of stories, beliefs, and silent narratives, a reflection of Sari’s innermost thoughts and her defiance against societal boundaries. “Wayang Sari is my other world. It’s a realm where I express my beliefs, my ideas, my disagreements—things that words sometimes fail to articulate.”
Sari also seeks to provide platforms for local artists, recognizing the barriers they face in entering mainstream galleries. “I want to bring them to Jakarta,” she shares, her eyes glinting with purpose. “These talents lack opportunities, not skills.”
Her aspirations extend to nurturing future generations’ understanding of their cultural roots. “We need to revive, not just preserve. Reviving culture keeps it alive, evolving with time.”
Sari Koeswoyo’s art serves a dual purpose– an avenue for personal expression and a gateway to preserving cultural heritage. “We need to live in our culture,” she emphasises, debunking the notion of merely preserving it. “Playing, conversing, and engaging with our traditions keeps them vibrant and alive.”.
Follow @official.sarikoeswoyo and @buatansk on Instagram to get the latest updates on her work.
