A Group Exhibition by Akhmad Baharudin, Bagus Pecut Sumantri,
Mahendra Pam Pam, Syafrizal, and Widi Wardani
In paintings, color is one of the most essential elements. Its presence can bring an impression to the viewers
that later affect their feelings. Because colors have aesthetic and artistic value when they are put together in
an artwork. Up until now, abstract paintings are still wrongly misinterpreted, the works are still valued solely
technical. Essentially, abstract paintings are not only about technicalities, but there is also the harmony of colors
considered by the artists, of course, but those who are less sensitive or not used to sharpening their sense of
feeling would also find it difficult to choose the right color. Not to mention an artist has to determine how
they prefer compositions and proportions.
Moreover, these two points can eventually express what is the thought behind an artist’s head. Rothko, for
example, was one of the artists who have the ability to determine very well the color, composition, proportion,
and flow of his paintings. Second, there is a view that artists only understand art, solely. In fact, in today’s
the reality, intelligence is no longer only measured in the human ability to understand scientific proofs but also in
their ability to feel.
That does not mean that an artist has to be less scientific – for example, Paul Gauguin, was a successful
stockbroker in his early career.
Third, abstract works are already past their prime. Of course, this is also wrong.
These works are still relevant in today’s world. The “Riddle of Colors” exhibition is one of the proofs, through
the various colors presented from the works of Akhmad Baharudin, Bagus Pecut Sumantri,
Mahendra Pam Pam, Syafrizal, and Widi Wardani, that abstract artworks are timeless. Especially, regarding
how their work can take place in our daily personal spaces, which are very private.
Although many still think that abstract works are riddles that are still difficult to get the correct answers to, in
fact, there is no special way to solve the questions. Abstract artwork is not a puzzle to be solved, but seeing
and feeling it is just enough. What matters the most about appreciating art is how you feel when you are
seeing the work.
