Seascape 

This is an oil on canvas, a "Seascape," by the Indonesian artist Basuki Abdullah. Abdullah’s work presents us with questions about the public role of art and the politics of imagery in postcolonial Indonesia. Trained in the Western academic style, Abdullah became known for his portraiture and landscapes, often imbued with a romantic sensibility. In this seascape, we see the coast of Indonesia rendered with careful attention to light and atmosphere. The painting, created in a period of nation-building and cultural definition, might seem purely aesthetic at first glance. However, considering the social conditions that shaped artistic production at the time, we can view it as a statement on Indonesian identity. To fully appreciate this work, further research into the artistic and political climate of Indonesia during Abdullah's lifetime is essential. Understanding the institutional support for the arts and the expectations placed on artists can help us interpret the meaning of this seemingly straightforward seascape.