Fadjar Sidik

1930 – 2004

Born in Surabaya, Fadjar Sidik studied English literature at Gadjah Mada University before shifting to fine arts at ASRI Yogyakarta. His time in Bali (1957–1961) shaped his transition from semi-abstract to pure abstraction, influenced by his response to the commercialization of Balinese culture.

A key figure in modern Indonesian art, Sidik was a lecturer at ASRI from 1961, later serving as Head of the Painting Department (1967–1983) and Assistant Rector (1984–1992). His teachings were enriched by his interactions with senior artists like Hendra, Affandi, and Sudjojono.

In recognition of his contributions, the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) inaugurated a gallery in his honor in 2017. Today, he is remembered not only as a pioneer of abstraction but also as a transformative educator.