Sukamto, gifted in sketching since youth, attended the Academy of Modern Art Yogyakarta
(ASRI), yet never lost his connection to his magical village roots. Even though Sukamto
uses a pastel technique, his works are reminiscent of glass paintings which have been
realized in Java for more than a century. This, together with his native style, makes it
difficult to define his work as surrealism or naïve expressionism.

His subject matter is a skillful mixture of intriguing dreams and past reality which remain
alive on the island of Java today.

Humor also takes place and the inspiration is often local legends. The picture invites the
eye to relish the wealth of colors, the quality of composition, the nicety of details, the
stunning works evolve with the charm of Persian miniatures.

Throughout all Sukamto’s creations, with each form revealing a symbolic meaning, the
artist, without ambition, offers us a beautiful journey that is rare in our age … returning to
us a share of our own childhood visions following the weft of his own unique culture.

This exhibition was held on 21 November 2006 - 21 January 2007