Overview

The painters active in the first half of the 20th century in the Dutch Indies were a motley crew. The only thing they had in common was that they had all been attracted by the myth of the island-paradise. As was to be expected, the output of this heterogeneous group of professionals, amateurs and tourists proved variable. However, some in this group stood out: Roland Strasser, Isaac Israels, Max Fleisher, Walter Spies, and Charles Sayers. The works of these painters managed to break with the conservatism that was common in the arts of the Dutch Indies at that time. A good example of this is the work of Charles Sayers (1901-1943). His work evolved from an initially realist manner to a moderate form of expressionism. The viewpoint underlying certain of his works suggests a photographic eye. The subjects are often dramatic, emotional and dynamic, all conveyed through a very bright palette. The works of Charles Sayers today are very collectable. This book documents Charles Sayers life and shows the broad scope of his work -- murals, drawings, oils -- and subjects varying from still life to portraits to landscapes and rituals. Included is a list of all known works.

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9789068321876

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This publication will enhance and enlarge the broad, present-day reevaluations of East Indies painters from the first half of the 20th century. It may assist scholars in distinguishing work created primarily for the tourist trade, from work created with genuine empathy for the lives of indigenous people of what was once called the Dutch East Indies. Of the dozen or more painters working the East Indies, Sayers was one of only two born there. Educated in Europe, he had an academic art background. When he returned to Bali after his education, he found the aesthetic tastes of most colonists remained primarily conservative. Biography is the largest portion of this book. It is accompanied by four appendixes: technique, exhibition record, genealogy, and catalog of works. The latter will be valuable to serious collectors of Sayers's work. The book is well illustrated without being lavish. Of special interest are reproductions of murals painted for the Paris 1931 International Colonial World Exhibition and murals fro the 1939 Golden Gate Exhibition, which contributed much to Sayers's critical success in Paris and subsequent successes. The murals underscore the influence and advocacy of A. J. Derkinderen, who viewed community mural-making as critical artistic contribution in the 20th century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; professionals. --J. H. Heinicke, Simpson College in CHOICE

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