Kian Hathial
My inspiration for this artwork comes from the painting "Boschbrand" (Forest Fire) by Raden Salah. Salah is regarded as one of the most important 19th-century artists from Java, Indonesia, and is often referred to as the "father of modern Indonesian painting." He is well-known for his Orientalist landscapes and dynamic animal hunting scenes, which are filled with emotion and energy. I was captivated by the intricacy of "Boschbrand," as it illustrates the value of life, with each tiger fighting for survival among the dangers of fire and that peace is hidden among danger, with the stunning scenery on the right.
I incorporated elements of "Boschbrand" into my artwork through color and by creating the effects a forest fire can have. Additionally, I used a dotting technique with my finger to blend the colors and create a personal vibe. For my painting I included the number 19 because, from 2000 to 2023, Indonesia lost 30.8 million hectares of tree cover, which shows a 19% decrease since 2000. This piece reflects to me how precious life is and how quickly it can be lost due to something as simple as a forest fire. My painting is an abstract reinterpretation of "Boschbrand" (Forest Fire) by Raden Salah.