Amrus Natalsya, an artist born on 21 October 1933, has an enduring passion for contributing to the world of Indonesian art. As one of the founders of Sanggar Bumi Tarung, Natalsya has been devoted to Indonesian art for over five decades, spanning the Orde Lama, Orde Baru, and Reformation eras. Natalsya integrates sculpting techniques with typical Batak elements, creating a distinctive characteristic in his work. Additionally, he frequently addresses social issues and everyday human struggles with a touch of social realism. 

One of his renowned series is the Chinatown series, which portrays the oppression faced by ethnic Chinese as minorities in Indonesia, particularly during the peak of the 'anti-Chinese' sentiment in 1998. Through these artworks, Natalsya utilizes art to express feelings of injustice and narrate the bitter experiences of the Chinese community. Natalsya skillfully crafts powerful visuals that capture the resilience and struggles of minorities, offering a profound insight into the social history of Indonesia.

History and art are two things that Amrus Natalsya has been passionate about since childhood. When he entered the Indonesian Academy of Fine Arts (ASRI) in 1954, Natalsya had the opportunity to meet other renowned painters such as Trubus, Sudarso, Hendra, Saptoto, and Widayat. During his time at ASRI, Natalsya focused on studying wood carving and sculpture under the guidance of Michael Wowor, who was not only his roommate but also a self-taught sculptor. The tools of chisels and hammers played a crucial role in aiding Natalsya's creative process in sculpting. One of his notable works that garnered attention was the 'Patung Orang Buta yang Dilupakan', which was created in Solo and managed to capture the interest of President Sukarno. Despite the sculptures retaining a rough and textured appearance, the expressions conveyed within them are incredibly powerful, making the artwork captivating to behold. Additionally, Natalsya's painting titled 'Kawan-kawanku' is also included in President Sukarno's collection.

Natalsya's artwork has been showcased in numerous national and international art galleries, including the National Gallery of Indonesia, Cemeti Gallery Yogyakarta, and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Australia. As a leading figure in the 'Revolutionary Realism' movement in Indonesia, Natalsya has played a significant role in the advancement of Lekra art and Sanggar Bumi Tarung. His work not only serves as a source of inspiration for many young artists but also motivates them to address social and political themes in their own art.

With the passing of Amrus Natalsya on January 31, the Indonesian art world lost a great sculptor and painter who had made valuable contributions for over five decades. NEO Gallery, with the exhibition "Sculpting Dreams, Painting Realities; In Memory of the Master Amrus Natalsya" invites everyone to remember his valuable works. Save your date from 19-28 February 2024 to join us at NEO Gallery for this special exhibition. His enduring enthusiasm and dedication will be remembered as a valuable legacy of the history of Indonesian art. Rest in love, Amrus Natalsya.