Having traveled to Asia extensively, particularly to the various Muslim regions, I consider myself at least reasonably acquainted with the various cultures and cultural expressions that can be found there. I've played many of the musics of Asia, and I'm a big fan of the carving traditions that can be found in all corners. That said, I'll admit to being a bit shocked when I discovered the Indonesian artist Raden Saleh Sjarif Boestaman. His art is so generally contrary to the what I've come to expect. It's very European in it's general style, yet there's a very Asian feeling in it's execution; if you look at enough images of Indonesian wood carving, the kinship to the vibe of Raden Saleh's art can clearly be seen. Layers upon layers of texture.
Born in Java, his father was an Indonesian of Arab descent, specifically Hadhrami Yemeni, so he certainly comes by his Orientalist themes honestly. So colourful and full of dynamic action. So many images of large cats attacking horses...I wonder if this was something that he himself feared at any point!
To learn about Hadhrami Arabs, go HERE
Born in Java, his father was an Indonesian of Arab descent, specifically Hadhrami Yemeni, so he certainly comes by his Orientalist themes honestly. So colourful and full of dynamic action. So many images of large cats attacking horses...I wonder if this was something that he himself feared at any point!
To learn about Hadhrami Arabs, go HERE
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