Lot 582: S. SUDJOJONO (Indonesia 1914-1986)

Tukang Becak (Becak driver)
signed with initials, inscribed and dated 'S.S., 101, 1981' (upper left)
oil on canvas
35 x 27 in. (89 x 68 cm.)
A photo certificate from Museum S. Sudjojono, dated 13 August 1997, accompanies this painting.

The inscription on the painting which reads 'Rasain, gue geber nih!' is translates as 'Watch out! I will chase you'. With this present work, Sudjojono reveals a humorous aspect: the cyclist sees a beautiful woman before him who evokes the naughty thought of 'chasing' her. Sudjojono's instincts for a cheeky scene is only propounded with the inscription, without which the work could only be a plain narration of the activity. Dark colour serves as background against which brighter hues, in particular white, yellow, blue are juxtaposed as accents or highlights to define and give form to the subject matter.