Susiawan, stroke survivor that finds renewed purpose in intuitive art

His first painting after stroke, titled "Pencerahan" (Enlightenment), is also featured in this exhibition.

Susiawan with his wife Susan Allen - IST

DENPASAR, mybalinews.com – Dozens of paintings by artist Susiawan are now on display at Sudakarya Art Space, Sanur, Denpasar until January 5, 2025.

“He started painting after suffering a stroke in 2015,” said Susiawan’s wife, Susan Allen, who now serves as the artist’s spokesperson at a press conference on Friday (27/12/2025).

These works are inspired by the teachings of “Kanda Pat,” an ancient Javanese philosophy about the four spiritual guardians who accompany a person from conception to death.

The world of Javanese philosophy is deeply ingrained in Susiawan’s life. Born in Solo into a family of artists who loved wayang stories, Susiawan pursued fine arts after becoming a student at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). However, he also had an interest in children, using his talent to teach them how to express themselves.

His first painting after stroke, titled "Pencerahan" (Enlightenment), is also featured in this exhibition.
Susiawan first painting after stroke, titled “Pencerahan” (Enlightenment), – IST

“When he was a student, he collected leftover paint from his friends to teach children about art,” said Susan.

This activity grew rapidly through the Anak Merdeka Foundation, which he founded. He even initiated a children’s magazine, “Cakrawala Kecil,” created by and for children.

In 1990, Susiawan had the opportunity to develop his talent by mentoring students and teachers in Cirebon, using art to address social issues such as waste and pollution. He then moved to Canada, where he had the chance to develop wayang as a means of communication in a multicultural society.

After returning to Indonesia and settling in Bali, Susiawan taught at Greenschool before developing his own educational model with Susan. Unfortunately, he then suffered a stroke, which slightly disrupted his activities. But on the other hand, he found his passion renewed and focused on painting.

“As soon as he was allowed to go home, he immediately asked to buy paint and started painting,” said Susan.

His first painting after stroke, titled “Pencerahan” (Enlightenment), is also featured in this exhibition.

Since then, painting has become a way to maintain his spirit and intuition to continue radiating light or the spirit of life under the protection of the four spiritual guardians he believes in.

Art critic Arief B Prasetyo said that Susiawan’s paintings have transformative value because they not only invite art lovers to experience their beauty but also to feel the intuitive turmoil of Susiawan’s spirit, who uses art to make a change.

[mybalinews/RFH/AGW]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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