Finding Wisdom, Flowing with Nature through the Works of Sidik W Martowidjojo

Through his works, Sidik also takes anyone who is interested in finding meaning and peace on a journey towards wisdom. It is possible that seeing, enjoying, and owning Sidik’s works will be a choice made by peace seekers; those who want to find the essence of existence.

The Two Sides of Sidik Martowidjojo

Businessman and Artist, those are two things that cannot be separated from Sidik Martowidjojo. Born to a Chinese father and a blue-blooded Javanese mother on 24 September 1937 in Malang, Sidik experienced a colorful phase of life. He experienced several difficult times during the pre- and post-independence period. Even so, Sidik shared his experiences and memories from youth to adulthood and even old age that eventually led him to a new dimension of art.

He came into contact with the art world when introduced to Chinese calligraphy. By the end of his elementary education around 1953, he could not only create beautiful calligraphy, but also a Chinese-style painting. However, he did not really pursue painting throughout his adult life. Instead of becoming an artist, despite having been a Chinese language teacher and pursued calligraphy, the times and circumstances made him step away from the arts to pursue business.

Being busy with business and immersed in the hustle and bustle of Jakarta did not make Sidik completely abandon his calling. In between trips to several countries in Asia, Arabia and especially Europe, he always took the time to visit art centers. On those visits, Sidik says he was particularly inspired by two great Western figures, Joseph Turner (1775-1851) and Claude Monet (1810-1926).

From these trips to cultural centers, he showed an interest in the Western way of painting, especially in terms of anatomy and perspective. This was enough to influence Sidik’s early works after he decided to take painting seriously again. However, every time he tried Western brushwork he still felt more fluid with Eastern brushwork.

When China opened up to visitors from Indonesia in 1990, Sidik embarked on a new adventure of exploring and discovering the spirit of the timeless civilizations of the past, to flow and become the main pulse of his works. He draws inspiration from the colors of spring, flower festivals, from nature and from the spiritual experiences he finds on every trip.

During his travels, Sidik transmitted Chinese painting into his own artistic language. The play of colors he created gradually blurred the lines and contours until they were no longer felt in his post-2000 works.

The Birth of the Maestro

The invention of his own art language born out of his skillful hand with the pit. The evolution of his work found a new energy about the concept of being. He began to discard the meaning of objects from mere form to the essence of nature itself.

During this search period, Sidik began to have many discussions with Chinese painters in the country who were scattered across several cities. He also did not close himself off from discussions with painters and artists outside the Chinese culture. In 1998, Sidik held his first solo exhibition at Griya Kencana Yogyakarta.

Sidik’s appearance not only shocked minds of Chinese calligraphy connoisseurs, but also sparked a fire among artists at that time. Appearing with the classic face of Chinese painting with a fusion of modern style via essentialization, Sidik roused collectors to buy his works. He became an artist who was ‘suddenly’ talked about in art discussions.

The success of the first exhibition drove Sidik wild. He became more and more immersed in the play of colors and continuously let his brush leave the real landscape and find the essence behind the landscape itself. Sidik became more confident in moving the canvas and tinkering with colors in larger media.

A meeting with Indonesia’s leading curator Eddy Sutriyono at a young age brought Sidik from exhibition to exhibition in several cities. His works were displayed in the most prestigious venues such as the Mercantile Club to official exhibition spaces such as the National Museum.

Not just domestically, Sidik also performed in a number of events both in Singapore and China. He participated in various competitions and was awarded for his flower-themed paintings in 2001 in Beijing and 2002 in Nanjing. A followup exhibition held at The China Millennium Monument Beijing in 2006 brought Sidik together with renowned curator Liu Xi Lin. Li’s appreciation and praise led to a special opportunity a year later for Sidik to exhibit at NAMoC - China’s national art museum, coveted by those who pursue Chinese painting.

The presence of Sidik’s works in a Chinese museum instantly lit up discussion because they were considered to reflect the evolution of Chinese art, which was not only modern but also philosophical. His works were discussed in forums and advertised in official media. He was soon appointed as a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Art in Beijing, and invited to be a visiting professor at a number of universities, making him a world-recognized maestro of Indonesian painting.

The journey to find the highest essence of his work, which he calls finding the soul between East and West, prompted Sidik to apply for an international exhibition held by the Societe Nationale des Beaux Arts at Le Carrousel in Paris. The 2013 version of the show gave him the red carpet to show the following year. The second time around, Sidik won two gold medals and a solo exhibition at the Louvre International Arts in Paris, France, which took place in mid-December 2014. He became the first Indonesian painter to be internationally honored in Paris. The masterpiece for the show was a 7 x 2 meter painting titled Jalan.

Receiving international recognition has not made Sidik complacent. His works increasingly show that the process of searching for the meaning of universality and fusion with nature never reaches an impasse.

He continues to produce maestro works that are displayed in his own museum located in Bale Raos of the Yogyakarta palace, - an award from the Sultan for his contribution to the country’s art world. Through his latest works, Sidik has strengthened himself as an artist no longer trapped in one culture. His 120 x 2,100 cm watercolor work Dewa Ruci depicts how he grew up in a Javanese culture full of spiritual values. Soul evolution and cultural acculturation become a space for expression that is no longer limited to what it means to exist.

Culturist G Budi Subanar SJ wrote that Sidik is no longer talking about what he makes, but far from that he is now talking about humanity. Talking about the spirituality of people today, and about the challenges faced by humans today.

“Sidik has left his experience behind. He speaks beyond the image. Sidik communicates outwards and has overcome the works he produces,” wrote Budi.

Yes! Looking at, and diving into the canvas strokes of Sidik Martowidjojo will take you beyond just enjoying the artwork. He gives meaning as well as guidance to find a masterpiece, a fusion with nature on the way to wisdom.

The Westin Jakarta Proudly Presents The Sidik Martowidjojo solo art exhibition

“Mengalir Membawa Cinta” for the Sungai Watch charity auction

The Westin Jakarta, in association with Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Indonesia and Registry, is pleased to announce the upcoming solo art exhibition of renowned artist Sidik W. Martowidjojo. Titled “Mengalir Membawa Cinta,” the exhibition will take place at the Sky Lounge Lobby on Level 52 of The Westin Jakarta.

The Sidik Martowidjojo solo art exhibition is organized in support of the Sungai Watch charity auction, a noble cause aimed at conserving and protecting Indonesia’s rivers. Funneled by Marriott International’s 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals as well as United Nations Sustainable Development, The Westin Jakarta, aligned with Serve 360 directions, is committed to creating a positive and sustainable impact on the community. The event promises to be an extraordinary experience, merging art appreciation and philanthropy.

Founded in 2020 by Gary, Kelly, and Sam Bencheghib in Bali, Indonesia, Sungai Watch is now a team of 90 passionate river warriors, working every day to create solutions to stop the flow of plastic pollution from going into the ocean.

They have developed a scaleable strategy for addressing plastic pollution by creating straightforward trash barriers and running a collection, sorting, and upcycling system. They have also started looking at an international expansion through Asia and South America in addition to their goal of installing 1,000 barriers throughout Indonesia.

The official Opening Ceremony and Media/Press Conference for the exhibition will be held on August 2nd, 2023. This grand occasion will mark the inauguration of Mr. Sidik W. Martowidjojo’s captivating paintings, including those specially intended for the auction benefiting Sungai Watch. Distinguished attendees at the event will include ministers, diplomats, socialites, business leaders, media representatives, Jakarta IBC General Managers, Area Vice President - Indonesia & Malaysia at Marriott International - Mr. Ramesh Jackson, and sponsors.

Following the opening, the Art Exhibition and Open Auction will be open to the public from August 3rd to August 22nd. During this period, art enthusiasts and philanthropists will have the exclusive opportunity to view and acquire unique pieces while actively supporting the cause championed by Sungai Watch.

The exhibition will culminate in a Closing Ceremony and Charity Distribution on August 23rd, 2023. This special event will mark the submission of auction results to The Westin Jakarta, Marriott Indonesia Business Council, and Sungai Watch.

The Westin Jakarta is honored to be part of this significant initiative and remains committed to supporting local causes that contribute to the betterment of society.

Registry Proudly Presents the Sidik Martowidjojo Solo Art Exhibition “Mengalir Membawa Cinta” for the Sungai Watch Charity Auction

Registry, in association with Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Indonesia and The Westin Jakarta, is pleased to be a partner of the upcoming solo art exhibition of renowned artist Sidik W. Martowidjojo. Titled “Mengalir Membawa Cinta,” the exhibition will open on 2 August 2023 and take place at the Sky Lounge Lobby on Level 52 at The Westin Jakarta.

Following the opening, the Art Exhibition will be open to the public from August 3rd to August 22nd and Open Auction will be held on 19th August 2023. During this period, art enthusiasts and philanthropists will have the exclusive opportunity to view and acquire unique pieces while actively supporting the cause championed by Sungai Watch. The exhibition will culminate in a Closing Ceremony and Charity Distribution on August 23rd, 2023.

Registry is honored to be part of this significant initiative and remains committed to supporting local causes that contribute to the betterment of society. Mr. Setiawan Sudjie, as Editor in Chief and Publisher of Registry, expresses his full happiness to support this glorious event in collaboration with Mr. Sidik W. Martowidjojo and The Westin Jakarta. We offers thanks to all who support Registry doing this event, and they hope an example can be set for others to do the same; inspiring similar events as remembrance of the importance of humanity and nature that God gave us which we are responsible to take care of.

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