Charles Sayers: Pioneer of Art in the Dutch Indies

by Koos Van Brakel

Overview

The painters active in the first half of the 20th century in the Dutch Indies were a motley crew. The only thing they had in common was that they had all been attracted by the myth of the island-paradise. As was to be expected, the output of this heterogeneous group of professionals, amateurs and "tourists" proved variable. However, some in this group stood out: Roland Strasser, Isaac Israels, Max Fleisher, Walter Spies, and Charles Sayers.

The works of these painters managed to break with the conservatism that was common in the arts of the Dutch Indies at that time. A good example of this is the work of Charles Sayers (1901-1943). His work evolved from an initially realist manner to a moderate form of expressionism. The viewpoint underlying certain of his works suggests a photographic eye. The subjects are often dramatic, emotional and dynamic, all conveyed through a very bright palette. The works of Charles Sayers today are very collectable.

This book documents Charles Sayers’ life and shows the broad scope of his work — murals, drawings, oils — and subjects varying from still life to portraits to landscapes and rituals. Included is a list of all known works.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789068321876
Publisher:	KIT (Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen)
Publication date:	02/28/2005
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.50(h) x 0.66(d)

About the Author

Koos Van Brakel is Head of Collection of the Tropenmuseum Amsterdam.

Table of Contents

Foreword and acknowledgements; Painting of the East Indies; Introduction; The artistic climate in the Dutch East Indies; Charles Sayers (1901-43), biography of a painter; Introduction; Paris (1924-25); Trip to Egypt and stay in The Netherlands (1926); Bali (1927-28); Introduction; Sayers’ stay on Bali (1927-28); Exhibitions: Paris (1928-31); Trip to Italy (1929); Exhibitions (1930); His marriage to Olga Stern and the International Colonial World Exhibition in Paris (1931); Return to Bali (1932-34); Java (1934-35); Trip to Japan (October 1935-January 1936); Java (1936-39); Exhibitions 1936; Juliana Exhibition 1937; Exhibitions 1938; The Golden Gate International Exhibition in San Francisco 1939; World Exhibition New York and the Open Exhibition of the Batavia Fine Arts Circle; 1939; Sumatra (1939-42); Assessment and evaluation of Sayers’ works;
Charles Sayers’ ethnographic collection; Appendix 1—Some remarks on Sayers’ painting technique; Appendix 2—Overview of exhibitions; Solo exhibitions; Participation in; exhibitions; Appendix 3—The Sayers family genealogy; Appendix 4—Catalogue Literature; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This publication will enhance and enlarge the broad, present-day reevaluations of East Indies painters from the first half of the 20th century. It may assist scholars in distinguishing work created primarily for the tourist trade, from work created with genuine empathy for the lives of indigenous people of what was once called the Dutch East Indies....The book is well illustrated without being lavish. Of special interest are reproductions of murals painted for the Paris 1931 International Colonial World Exhibition and murals fro the 1939 Golden Gate Exhibition, which contributed much to Sayers's critical success in Paris and subsequent successes. The murals underscore the influence and advocacy of A. J. Derkinderen, who viewed community mural-making as critical artistic contribution in the 20th century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; professionals."

From the Publisher

"This publication will enhance and enlarge the broad, present-day reevaluations of East Indies painters from the first half of the 20th century. It may assist scholars in distinguishing work created primarily for the tourist trade, from work created with genuine empathy for the lives of indigenous people of what was once called the Dutch East Indies....The book is well illustrated without being lavish. Of special interest are reproductions of murals painted for the Paris 1931 International Colonial World Exhibition and murals fro the 1939 Golden Gate Exhibition, which contributed much to Sayers's critical success in Paris and subsequent successes. The murals underscore the influence and advocacy of A. J. Derkinderen, who viewed community mural-making as critical artistic contribution in the 20th century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; professionals."

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