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PRESS RELEASE ( pdf)
January, 2009
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Machyar in his studio is working
of the portrait of President-elect Barack Obama (the
painting is still on progress);
oil on canvas, 70
inches wide by 60 inches height. |
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Download these
large images
(Newspapers/Media) |
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Obama
through the Eyes of a Master
Neo-Classical artist
Machyar Mustafa Gleunta in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen,
hopes to vote for Barack Obama in the 2012 election, as he launches
the second term of his administration.
And
yet, Machyar was asked to do this monumental portrait of Obama: oil
on canvas, 70 inches wide by 60 inches height. It is a major
undertaking for the artist, though not the first portrait on such a
scale that Machyar has done. Four years ago, he was commissioned to
do a portrait of the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations,
Andrew Young, which overlooks the entry to the Andrew Young School
of Policy Study in Atlanta, Georgia.
Machyar’s Presidential portrait of Barack Obama promises to be an
important work of art in our time. Beyond the popularity of Barack
Obama is the uniqueness of this portrait. The painting embodies
symbols of American genius and style while incorporating classic
Greek elements. The composition is inspired by Obama's historical
advent on the American political landscape and his vision for the
nation. The painting shows painstaking attention to detail
demonstrating the artist’s aptitude and artistic competency.
Obama’s evident moral discernment and sense of history challenged
Machyar to draw from the depths of his own experience and to
exercise his prodigious talent the creation of this portrait. The
result is a work of art that provokes the viewer to ponder the
President in the complexity and power of his Office. This
painting presents a classic view of America’s political vitality –
and a personal American story. The artist’s composition captures
Obama's confidence balanced with his humility.
The
painting is now about 50 percent complete, with all the elements in
place. The final definitions and subtle nuances are being added to
finish the work.
This work of art in progress generates excitement. The result of
hundreds of hours of labor already—the portrait can provoke
questions in the mind of the viewer, such as: will this painting of
President Obama be an American icon, reminiscent of the Night
Watch by Rembrandt? The election of Barack Obama made history and
this artist’s rendition makes a bold statement of it.
Discipline and ideas matter. Pursuing a career in the fine arts of
painting and sculpture may seem an unlikely choice for this
Indonesian farm boy, but it is his destiny, dream and passion. In
the process of acquiring a great deal of knowledge, Machyar has
compassion for humanity.
Both
Obama and the artist grew up in Indonesia and later they both spent
time as human rights advocates and community organizers. Born in
Acheh, Machyar lost many close relatives in the Tsunami of 2004.
Separated from his family for twelve years, he looks forward to
visiting them soon.
Overcoming the disadvantages of language and culture, Machyar has
contributed substantially to a scholarship program at the Maine
College of Art, Portland Maine. He is also working to provide some
financial support to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,
Philadelphia, PA. A recipient of scholarships, Machyar spent two
years at each of these schools where he pursued his artistic
development.
Upon
completion of this Presidential Portrait, Machyar hopes the work can
be appreciated and receive the recognition it deserves. The painting
is an artistic expression: an idealized realization of Barak Obama
in his Oval office, the seat of executive power for the President of
the United States of America.
For
more information about artist and his current work of
President-elect Barack Obama, please call (703) 994-3959. Email:
machyar@mkfinearts.com;
online:
www.MKFineArts.com.
P.O. Box 1303, Springfield, VA 22151. Attached are sample images of
artist's work.
Read more:
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Dream of an Achenese painter (Jakarta Post) |
