S. Sudjojono (b.1913 – d.1986)
Ketoprak, 1970

Oil on canvas

In Ketoprak, S. Sudjojono captures a traditional Javanese theatre performance as a reflection of everyday life and cultural identity. For Sudjojono, folk theatre was more than entertainment- it was a space where shared experiences, emotions, and the spirit of community came vividly to life.

 

As a founder of the Indonesian Painters Association (Persagi), Sudjojono rejected the romanticised landscapes of the Mooi Indie tradition. Instead, he championed the concept of Jiwa Ketok ("the visible soul"), arguing that a painting should reveal the inner truth of its subject rather than merely its outward appearance. Through expressive brushwork, vividly characterised figures, and the energy of the performance, Ketoprak embodies this philosophy, presenting folk culture as an authentic expression of Indonesian life. The painting entered the Museum of Fine Arts collection through a donation by Adam Malik in 1976.