Basoeki Abdulla, Labour, Oil on canvas, 195 x 293 cm
Diplomacy and Desire: Basoeki Abdullah in Singapore is an exhibition of artworks by Indonesian painter, Basoeki Abdullah (1915-1993) who is known for his paintings of stalwart statesmen and attractive women.
The highlights of the exhibition are two paintings that the artist gifted to Singapore. Diplomacy and Desire focuses on the artist’s relationship to Singapore and his time living in Singapore when it achieved self-government in 1959.
The exhibition considers the relationship between Basoeki as a high-society painter and his agency as a regional cultural producer who was keenly aware of the geopolitical value of his artworks.
The exhibition encourages audiences to see this prominent portraitist anew and reflect upon the ‘power’ of beauty and art in post-colonial Southeast Asia.
Venue: Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, Dalam Southeast Asia, National Gallery
When: 9 May 2025 - 1 Feb 2026, 10am - 7pm
By: National Gallery Singapore
