Rustamadji Klaten

1921 – 2001

Born in Ceper, Klaten, Central Java, in 1921, Rustamadji was a self-taught painter who became one of Indonesia’s leading figures in naturalist art. He began painting in 1938, driven by curiosity and a strong will to learn. In 1964, he moved to Bandung to study with Barli Sasmitawinata and Srihadi Soedarsono, and later joined Pelukis Rakyat (People’s Painters) in Yogyakarta from 1949 to 1955, working alongside artists such as Hendra Gunawan, Trubus, and Affandi.

Rustamadji’s artistic life was defined by discipline and devotion. He painted continuously from his teenage years until the end of his life, capturing simple subjects—a chicken, a fence, a clay pot—with warmth and precision. His naturalistic style combined keen observation with emotional depth, turning everyday scenes into poetic images. Affandi once said that “in Rustamadji’s hands, anything can become invaluable.” Through his consistent dedication and belief in beauty found in ordinary life, Rustamadji left a lasting mark on Indonesian modern art.