For the 10th year, UOB Painting of the Year Indonesia Award 2020, in the Established Artist Category has been awarded to Prabu Pradana from Bandung, West Java for his painting titled Isolated Garden. Through his painting, he defines the theme of Solidarity painted acrylic on canvas 150×100 cm to illustrate a consciousness for self-distancing amid the ongoing pandemic. Perdana’s artwork impressed the panel of judges, comprising Indonesia’s established art professionals, namely Dr. Agung Hujatnikajennong, Asikin Hasan and Ay Tjoe Christine as one of Indonesia’s most celebrated contemporary female artists whose works have been exhibited across Asia. Prabu then will be competing with other winning entries from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for regional, the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award, which will be announced on 3 December 2020. He also stands a chance to win a residency programme at the renowned Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.
In the emerging artist category, Michelle Felicia Darmawan won the award for UOB Most Promising Artist of the Year for her painting titled This Too Shall Pass, 80 x 120 cm oil on canvas painting. Her artwork represents the sudden schock and after effects caused by the pandemic. This Emerging Artist Category was open to aspiring artists pursuing an arts education, who are taking their first steps to a career in art or who simply paint for leisure.
By far Indonesian artists have won 6 times in the UOB Southeast Asia Painting of the Year in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Mr Hendra Gunawan, President Director, UOB Indonesia, said, “This year marks a significant milestone – as it is UOB Indonesia’s 10th anniversary of operating in Indonesia as well as the 10th year we have held the UOB Painting of the Year competition in the country. The competition is an avenue for us to connect local artists to more opportunities on the regional and international art stage. We have seen the high calibre of Indonesian art created by many talented artists, including the past winners of the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year, and we hope to see more talented Indonesian artists being recognised.”
