Hendra Gunawan

1918 – 1983

Born in Bandung, Hendra Gunawan (1918–1983) was a pioneering Indonesian artist who began painting in the 1930s. He masterfully fused traditional Indonesian themes with modern techniques, creating bold, expressive works that remain celebrated worldwide, including at the Venice Biennale 2024.

Known as the peoples painter, Hendra depicted Indonesian life with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. His works often feature groups of women, engaged in domestic tasks or in more ambiguous, provocative scenes.

Hendra Gunawan’s legacy lives on in major international collections, including the Neka Art Museum in Bali and the Singapore Art Museum.