The Peaceful Nature of Godod Soetejo

Beginning April 12 through June, Jogja artist Gododsame feeling of peaceful, lonely and enlightened souls.
Sutejo's 11th solo exhibition will be held in Jakarta. HisGodod says that he always tries to give spectators of
latest paintings convey the theme "Peaceful Nature".his paintings two satisfactions: visual and emotional.
Milenium Gallery, Kompleks Pertokoan Golden PlazaAs a student at Indonesia Fine Arts Academy, Godod
(D'Best) Block B 23, Jl. RS. Fatmawati No. 15, JakartaSoetejo had to create a unique painting style for a
Selatan.school assignment. After a month of failures, he was
The first minute I looked at Godod Soetejo's painting, Isitting on a rock one evening at Samas Beach, his
found myself feeling very lonely but could not escapefavorite place to contemplate and pray for inspiration.
from this interesting work of art. In the second minute, IIn the distance he saw fisherman coming back from
wondered what its message was, why a serene andthe sea, marching in a thin line. They looked tiny against
peaceful feeling overwhelmed me.the backdrop of the expansive sky and ocean. It was
Well-known for his painting "Silent Nature", Gododan amazing and inspirational moment for him. After
Soetejo enlightens our souls with his art. After studyingmany years spent perfecting this style, painting figures
his paintings one by one, I searched my spiritual inboxviewed from a distance symbolizes an unbounded
for new messages and found that the power ofuniverse and his way of expressing his feelings.
humans is nothing compare with the greatnesses ofI met Godod Sutejo in his beautiful house at Jl.
the universe. The feeling of calm and peace isSuryodingratan MJ II/641 in Jogja and had a chat with
priceless input to our ambitious and chaotic lives.him. The house was full of not only his paintings but
For the background of his objects, Godod paints hisalso those of other artists, such as Soekamto, Kartika
canvases with overlaid color combinations that createAffandi and many works from young potential artists
amusing gradations. With cloudlike white streaks hefrom SMSR (High School of Fine Arts). His house is his
creates a mysterious and mystical ambiance. Behindgallery displaying his work and also his collection of
this veil are shaded objects revealing the purpose ofantiques.
the figures he paints. Godod always makes human orWhen I chatted with him, I realized the modesty and
animal figures march in horizontal or vertical lines,strength of his paintings comes from the soul of this
dancing in optimism, peace and relief from a troubledmodest gentleman. He enthusiastically helps others,
life, striving to achieve expectations.especially young exhibiting artists and was also the
Critics such as the late Kusnadi have describedfounder of Jogjakarta's Beber Seni ("Art Bazaar") held
Godod's compositions as oriental elementary linesat the end of each year.
focusing on the value of the lines and flat, coloredIf you are in Jakarta from April 12 through June, enjoy
motifs. He exposes rural suburban life in widethe peaceful nature of Godod Sutejo's paintings. We
boundaries that reach beyond heaven and earth.salute him for inspiring so many people and
Although interpretation will vary from viewer to viewer,congratulate him on his 11th solo exhibition. Salam
everyone who enjoys Godod's paintings will likely haveBudaya.