In a sleepy village in North Sumatra, a young artist is gaining prominence. Born on the 4th July 1965, Budi grew up in a rural village in Sumatra among ethnic Asahans and Bataks. As a young boy, he loves to sketch. Kampungs, marketplace activities and village scenes were an integral part of Budi’s growing up and his paintings
 
In his early twenties, Budi went to the Islamic University of Indonesia in Yogyakarta to study textile engineering. There, Budi met Hidayat, Arni Yahya, Yatim and other influential artists. In particular, the works of Hidayat and Hendra Gunawan fascinated him. Although Budi’s paintings are different from those of Hidayat and Gunawan, the genealogy of these great masters is deeply infused in his paintings. Their influences can be seen in Budi’s use of colours and strokes. Like them, Budi’s works belong to the decorative realism impressionist style.

Budi incorporates ethnic textile motifs and techniques into his paintings, and in the process creates a distinctive and bold style that’s visually pleasing and passionate yet harmonious. Strong colours, bold strokes, and characters that come alive are characteristic of Budi’s painting. He is uncompromising, daring and revolutionary.

Budi paints with great feelings and passion, and draws richly from his childhood and adolescent recollections of rural scenes and carefree days, when going to the market was to trade and to get together with other villagers to catch up on the latest gossip. Budi’s paintings transport you to a time when life was simple and people do not need to watch the time. A lot of thought and emotion goes into every painting. Through his brush strokes, Budi expresses a variety of positive and uplifting emotions: humour, contentment, joy, harmony and peace.

Budi started painting in 1987 but it was only in 1997 that he developed his own unique technique and painted under the name Gian Tama. Since then, he has a number of successful exhibitions in Indonesia (1999-2003) and Malaysia (2001). From his humble beginnings as a village painter, Budi has come a long way, and it‘s only a matter of time before Budi achieve prominence. Already his works are getting increasing sought after in Indonesia.

RECOMMENDATION
Budi is an up and coming Indonesian artist to watch out for. Worth collecting as his works are still affordable.