Widely considered as the father of modern Indonesian art, S. Sudjojono paved the way for many of his contemporaries in Indonesia. Shaping the development of modern Indonesian art through his revolutionary ideas, writings and works, Sudjojono emphasised the importance of national pride, reflecting the soul of his homeland and of its people in his work. He founded several significant art associations during the colonial period, was a passionate art critic, a forthright thinker and a skilled writer. One East Asia has been appointed as the official representative of the S. Sudjojono Center in Singapore, and to mark this special occasion, we are holding a showcase of his memorabilia to honour his passion, his life, and his work beyond his artistic life.

Titled Mas Djon: The Man Behind the Easel, this exhibition will showcase personal letters, photographs, poems, sketches, drawings and personal belongings, along with some of his major paintings. It also coincides with the 25th anniversary of his passing, adding even more significance to this commemoration of his life. Several books and exhibitions have focused on Sudjojono’s life as an artist and his artistic career – but this exhibition aspires to look beyond this. He believed that art is a reflection of the artist’s soul, and exploring Sudjojono’s personal life will present a deeper look into his soul. This exhibition aims to portray him as a human being, a man, and above all else, a family man. How exactly has his character, thoughts, feelings and relationship with his wife, Rose Pandanwangi, and his family, influenced and are reflected in his works? His memorabilia and personal belongings will offer a glimpse of the man behind the easel – affectionately called, ‘Mas Djon’.