Sambas ( Three Ethnic Groups ) in Painting

I've come to the painting exhibition in Jakarta. An art show, displaying a typical nuanced portrait of West Kalimantan. A total of 40 paintings ethnic Dayaks, Malays, and Chinese display in the Gallery Mini, Japanese Cultural Center.

As known, the Dayaks, Malays, and Chinese are the majority tribe of West Kalimantan. Of the three tribes that formed the word "Sambas" which means: three tribes (sam = three, bas = tribe). This etymology comes from the Khek language used everyday conversations in Sambas.
Me and Mr. Tukidi in front of the royal palace Sambas.

Outsiders often confused, why the three tribes were able to get along. But I do not. I am knowledgeable, long before Indonesian independence, the three tribes have agreed. Will support each other if there is need. If one tribe attacked outside parties, other tribes must help.

Hence, the Sambas Riot the casus belli was a private dispute originated from the Malayo-Madura. But then so massive and involve other tribes. There is history. All three tribes have agreed to an alliance since colonial times.

Back to the topic, or writing plummet. For ten days, four artists from Kalbar held paintings. They are Kurniawan, Zulkiflie MS, Jayus, and Sahih. With the theme "Feel scratch West Kalimantan", the four painters tried to raise the local color of West Kalimantan. Through paintings, they try to show not only the atmosphere and lifestyle of its people, but also natural wealth contained in the earth's equator.

Through the paintings, the painter was about to lift the image and it the name of their homelands. Although that stood out was the local color, the painter capable of displaying a variety of shades in a painting. All four using oil paint in the pouring their creations; though one of them, Jayus, which in addition to using oil paint, also using mixed media.

Judging from the object and motive of scratches, the four painters can be classified into naturalist painter. This is evident in the choice of themes that emphasize the natural wealth, such as the flora and fauna. Some again, highlighting the social life of local communities.

That is why, in spite of the painters in terms of age young practically, the results have shown their paintings in the artistic maturity. Typically, young children can not get out of his world. More often than younger children and their world perpetuating themselves, rarely chose that theme outside.

Although the paintings on display highlight local color, but the diversity remains a major force. Each artist tried to express the local color through scratches the canvas. They explore the local color in accordance with their reception, in accordance with their observations of the natural, social, cultural, and local color.

Not surprisingly, if later the paintings were included in the broad themes that they create. Because a painting is also a communication, the artists establish communication with the arts community. That is why, in addition to the art lover, who came to see the painting exhibition of young children are mostly citizens of West Kalimantan are living in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

Local color with a mystical perspective try Sahih appointed painter. He represents ethnic Kalbar, which through the magic point of view highlighting the themes Mask I, Spirit II, Two Power, and barbarity.

As humans, Sahih could not seem to escape from personal interest. The paintings of artists born 3 November 1967 Pontianak this process color composition and shape. There was no other impression, but the mystical, from the visitors on the work of this Sahih.

Through this short brush strokes, Sahih make small plots like those found in the bamboo room. This technique is not performed on all areas of the canvas, but only on certain parts. That way, the painter creates polished posture.

Although abstract tends to flow (because of the mystical), Sahih still managed to display the decorative pattern. This is evident in the painting titled Spinner Adu. Each time after harvesting the rice, the Dayak race held a top game. In the Dayak language, the game was called "bapangka gasingk".

Kurniawan is another thing. Pontianak young painter born on May 30, 1978 shows the exploration of line and shading. Various kinds of lines, ranging from straight lines, curved lines, and horizontal lines into the creative source in the painting. With the help of the media in the form of oil paint, Kurniawan the selected object raises a dynamic impression. Subtle shading and light can increase the power of expression. Object choice in Kalbar unique fauna, such as: Cats, Birds Honey, Black Cat, and hornbill.

Unfortunately, the expressive artistic technique and beautiful fauna objects, less so successful in human object. This can be seen in the portrait of a Dayak girl under the heading "Smile". Painting impressed improper, because Kurniawan in perpetuating the object tend to choose the style of realism.

Still with the natural theme Kalbar, MS Zulkiflie artists a number of paintings. Objects that are selected are generally attractive, and famous. Arowana fish (- Latin) often appear in his paintings. One of the most impressive painting is a painting entitled Dynamics and Enchantment arowana.

The young artist was born knowing right Pontianak, arowana is one of the fauna of the West Kalimantan lately rise. These fish kept in aquariums lot, it costs millions of dollars. In the past, the fish are clustered at the mouth of the river in this spawning season, made of salted fish. I often eat it. My mother likes to cook the leaves mixed with mashed sweet potatoes. Delicious! Local name silok Arowana fish.

In addition to perpetuating the wealth of fauna, Zulkiflie also displays the local community cultural wealth (China). This is evident in his paintings titled Lion Dance, Dragon Festival, and the tradition Calcium carbide cannon.

On the object worked on, highlighting the technical Zulkiflie relying on color composition. His paintings are full of dynamism. He seemed to search deep and very long. Because of that, so full of charm painting, as seen in the dynamics of objects Arowana fish painting.

"Nature, culture, and society of West Kalimantan is my inspiration that never dry," said Zulkiflie.

"Painting entitled Dynamics arowana I made in 1996, showing the dynamics of the fish. Arowana known dynamic, can never rest. Always moving, his eyes swiftly led to the prey. Arowana is always in a position ready to pounce on something which was supposed food. Indeed, her fingers were ready jumped. This object immortalized through painting realistic painter, with a detailed color, combined with the perspective silhouette," he added.

While the painting on a canvas titled Lion dance made in 2000, Zulkiflie shows another side of the painting. Sweep of his hand on the canvas this time more wild and free. Precisely so, this work is then impressed expressive. Clashing colors, but the impression remains in a neat and orderly.

While other painters, Jayus Agustono, appear with abstract painting. Most of his paintings using mixed media. Jayus appear with social colors.

Still a long road West Borneo, four young artists in a career as a painter. This is the first time they held the exhibition in Jakarta, maybe someday they'll be traveling. Provided still emphasize local color, the four artists will undoubtedly still have a place in the hearts of lovers of art, especially painting, because it has identity.

Art is the outer beauty, as well as the representation of the soul and the idea of an artist. He is the artistic work that does not stand alone. As an outward manifestation, which was indeed only a painting. However, there are real big ideas in there who want to express.

The beauty of Borneo is not only reflected in the painting. Also present in the inhabitant's soul. Especially in the soul of the artist ....