Lot 40: Rudi Mantofani , b. 1973 Nada Yang Hilang (Lost Notes) wood, paint and metal (Guitar) PVC, foam and velvet (Case)

signed and dated 2007 on each guitar head wood, paint and metal (Guitar) PVC, foam and velvet (Case)

measurements height: 90cm; 35¼in. width: 90cm; 35¼in. depth: 50 cm; 19½in. (guitar) alternate measurements diameter: 86cm.; 33¾in. height: 56cm.; 22in. (case)

This work is a unique edition

As a powerful visual language that knows no boundaries, art reflects the world we live in. The experiences of the 21st century - its triumphs, failures, and most importantly, hopes and dreams - are illustrated in the works of one of the stars of Southeast Asian contemporary art, Indonesian-born Rudi Mantofani. His works provoke and enthral the viewer not only to explore one's intellect, but also the depth of one's soul.

A sculpture depicting two distorted guitars, wittily entitled Lost Notes (Nada Yang Hilang), epitomises Rudi Mantofani's proficiency at projecting ideas using a form that is unrestrained by words or nationality. Made of wood, paint and metal, the proportion and finishing of this sculpture are almost indistinguishable from that of an actual guitar. However, in Rudi's dextrous hands, two guitars seem to curve towards one, their respective heads and ends overlapping and meeting, to create a formal concentric circle. By using a generic object from popular culture that is globally recognisable and placing them in an extraordinary context, the artist intends to inspire the onlooker to think beyond the surface. Rudi once said, "While a musical instrument is created with the mind and intellect, playing a guitar is akin to expressing the heart and emotion. In the imperfect world we live in, however, a harmony between the heart and the mind may not always take place and the distorted guitar is a prime example of how discord is created when those two elements are out of tune. Like a beautiful song that cannot be created with lost notes, humanitarian ideals cannot be realised through forceful means." For Rudi, only when the heart and the mind are in sync can humanity unveil its soul.

Metaphorical references to the potential euphony or dissonance of music, which Rudi regards as the 'true language of the soul', reflect the artist's view of the world in which we live, with a humour and rigour that is underpinned by meticulous execution. Lost Notes beautifully tackles the subject of humanity - with all of its strengths and flaws - and is also emblematic of the power of choice and hope.