Indonesian Odyssey

More about the book

Indonesia is renowned for its rich and diverse cultural traditions, showcasing spectacular creativity through song, dance, and particularly art. Recently, the international art market has begun to recognize these treasures, yet the lack of well-developed public museums means many masterpieces are held by private collectors. This leads to numerous private museums across the country, where artworks are preserved in the humid tropical climate. Previously, access to these collections was limited to personal invitations to private homes. This book opens the doors to these hidden treasures, featuring insights from Dr. Helena Spanjaard, a respected art historian who gained unique access to twenty-one avid collectors. It profiles each collector and highlights their favorite pieces, presenting an anthology of over 100 artists, including local masters like Affandi and Hendra Gunawan, as well as Indo-European artists such as Rudolf Bonnet and Willem Hofker, and contemporary leaders like Rudi Mantofani and I Nyoman Masriadi. Lavishly illustrated with more than 230 full-color reproductions, this work serves as a comprehensive catalog of Indonesian art, making it an essential resource for both established collectors and those beginning their own journeys.