Racism (2001)

Semsar Siahaan

Introduction to WTO Chapter 2
2003
Charcoal on used shoebox
88 x 87 cm
Collection of ILHAM Foundation, Kuala Lumpur

Blinded by UN
2003
Charcoal on used shoebox
130.5 x 83.5 cm
Private collection

The Man Who Knows All
2001
Oil on canvas 76 x 76 cm
Courtesy of Ang Collection, Singapore

Untitled
1994
Oil on canvas
102 x 102 x 2 cm
Private collection

Untitled
Year unknown
Oil on canvas
102 x 102 x 2 cm
Private collection

Racism
2001
Oil on canvas
76 x 76 cm
Collection of Gajah Gallery, Singapore

Untitled
1986–1990
Oil on canvas
100 x 75 cm
Collection of Mr Teng Jee Hum

Untitled
1986–1990
Oil on canvas
100 x 75 cm
Private collection

Marsinah
1993
Ink on paper and poster
85.5 x 111.5 cm (overall), 69 x 44 cm (left),
71 x 46 cm (right)
Collection of National Gallery Singapore

Overview

The artistic output of Semsar Siahaan (1952–2005) showcases his deep engagement with Indonesia’s history and political legacies, his keen eye for social commentary and his front-line experience during a time of great national unrest. The selection of Siahaan’s paintings, produced between 1986 and 2003, gives viewers a sense of the artist’s dynamic range, his affinity for scathing political commentary as well as his exploration of identity and communality. Also on view is Racism (2001), a painting born of Siahaan’s years spent in Victoria, Canada. The work reflects not only the state of constant scrutiny he was under but also Siahaan’s attempts to acclimate to and draw inspiration from his surrounding environment.

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