Horses 

Basuki Abdullah painted "Horses" with oils, a medium favored for its ability to capture light and movement. This work reflects the romanticism prevalent in Indonesian painting during the mid-20th century. The painting's visual codes, from the dynamic composition to the idealized depiction of the horses, evoke a sense of freedom and vitality. The work was produced in a period following Indonesian independence, a time marked by nation-building, and reflects a desire to represent the natural beauty of the Indonesian landscape. Abdullah trained at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in The Hague. His Western artistic education influenced his style. Art historians often examine such paintings in relation to broader social and political contexts. Analysis of Abdullah's biography and of the Indonesian art scene during the post-colonial era provide insights into how artists negotiate their cultural identities and contribute to the construction of national narratives. In this context, the image of horses running free speaks to the aspirations of a newly independent nation.