Popo Iskander

Born in West Java, Indonesia, Popo Iskander (1927-2000) was a prominent Indonesian painter, art educator, and critic. Iskandar is best known for works that were inspired by nature. His paintings can be seen as a unique interpretation of the raw, primordial, and untamed energy of natural environs. Iskander’s works are rendered in thick textures and bold colours—a typical characteristic of his works is a simplification of physical forms to reach the inner core and essence of his subject.

Iskander studied art at the Keimin Bunka Bunka Shidosho (Institute for People’s Education and Cultural Guidance) in Bandung where he received mentorship under Indonesian art stalwarts like Barli Sasmitawinata and Hendra Gunawan. Soon, Iskander became a promising emerging artist, exhibiting works in travelling shows alongside the likes of senior artists such as Basoeki Abdullah and S. Sudjojono. He completed his graduation in art from the Department of Art of the Bandung Institute of Technology.

Iskander’s art is influenced by cubism, expressionism, abstraction, and Asian calligraphy. The expressionist element in his art drew its inspiration from ‘Plein-air painting’ emphasized by his mentor Hendra Gunawan. Iskander also trained in abstraction under Ries Mulder. Drawing inspiration from landscapes and animals, he depicted cats, tigers, and roosters in his paintings.

Iskander influenced the art community through the enormous power of writing and teaching as well. An established art critic of Indonesia, he challenged the developments of Indonesian art, motivated to alter the existing discourse. Having taught art at many prominent colleges in Indonesia, he also wrote essays on literature and art.

Iskander’s works have been included in group exhibitions across the world in countries such as the U.K., U.S., India, Japan, Netherlands, and China. He also held solo exhibitions in the Netherlands and Indonesia. Popo Iskander had been felicitated with many awards including the Anugerah Seni Art Award from the Indonesian Government.