Sculpting Dreams, Painting Realities: In Memory of Amrus Natalsya
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.
