Testimonials

I first met Mr. Sidik at his debut exhibition, which I opened in 1998, just after the fall of the New Order regime.

At the time, I was puzzled because his work seemed abstract and unclear. Yet, I was immediately captivated by one of his black-and-white pieces. I hadn’t expected it, especially given his advanced age. That Mr. Sidik would achieve what he has today never crossed my mind.

I was even more astonished because I didn’t just open his first exhibition—I also opened his second, third, and likely many more. I’ve witnessed his extraordinary evolution, a progression that feels almost like leaps and bounds.

My impression of Mr. Sidik is that he is truly an artist who creates with his heart and soul. He doesn’t overthink; everything within him pours out onto the canvas, much like Affandi. It’s “painting as a way of being.”

-Dr. Oi Hong Djien (Art Collector)

Mr. Sidik is a rare individual. I once told his daughter that he is a true treasure who must be cherished.

I don’t know if Mr. Sidik is the child of a painter, but what matters is that he was born to be one. That’s extraordinary because, for an artist, being born with that gift means possessing many innate strengths. Take me, for example: as a woman, I’ve raised nine children and still continue to create, even in my later years.

That’s just one illustration. An ordinary person might spend their golden years babysitting grandchildren, but for me, there’s no time to waste—especially after 70. It’s as if there’s a race against time, like vomiting until there’s nothing left, until everything is expelled completely.

Every person has a unique talent in their own field. Pursue it with genuine joy, not out of obligation. My hope for Mr. Sidik is that he remains unlike anyone else.

-Kartika Affandi (Artist/Painter)

Observing Mr. Sidik can be deceptive. At first glance, he appears rooted in traditional art, especially given his materials—paper, brushstrokes, black-and-white ink work. He’s often mistaken for a traditional painter.

Yet, his creative process doesn’t reference social themes or individual subjects. Nor does it tackle specific issues. Instead, it delves into his inner world, his spirituality. He begins painting from a place of sublimity within himself, which, to me, falls squarely within modernism.

We can’t say Mr. Sidik’s works resemble those of Malay Peranakan artists of the past because his focus is universal.

-Ivan Sagita (Artist/Painter)

The artistic blood flowing through someone’s veins cannot be faked—it’s pure talent.

Whenever it emerges, it will shine. Only the experiences and circumstances of each individual differ, which is why the timing of its emergence varies.

But no matter what, if it’s done with sincerity and without pretense, the quality of the result will stand apart. And of course, the response from the public serves as proof of the work’s impact.

Judgment is also broad. As someone of Chinese descent, it’s well-known that hard work is in our blood.

-Didik Nini Thowok (Dance Artist)

First, Mr. Sidik employs the foundational techniques of Chinese painting. Second... his explorations result in works that carry the distinction and atmosphere of traditional Chinese art, yet his approach is entirely fresh.

-Dr. Suwarno Wisetrotomo (Art Curator)

As a Chinese-Indonesian during the New Order regime, Mr. Sidik experienced immense repression. He possessed not just talent, but an explosive artistic potential that was confined by the times. I believe his decision to begin creating in 1998 coincided perfectly with our collective liberation from those constraints.

-Dr. G. P. Sindhunata S.J. (Cultural Expert)

To me, Mr. Sidik is a true Master. His demeanor is gentle, and his works have reached the level of Chi. With just a single line, he can form an object. Mr. Sidik is truly unique, especially in his watercolor works—they are extraordinary abstractions.

-Nasirun (Artist/Painter)

Mr. Sidik is a Maestro I deeply respect—humble, yet extraordinary. At 85, he continues to create and inspire.

He is my inspiration...

-Nita Azar (Fashion Designer)

I’m drawn to Mr. Sidik’s works for their liberated, powerful brushstrokes.

Lately, he’s been nicknamed "Drunken Brush"—his strokes flow like water, unrestrained.

I’ve known him since 2005, when he mentioned exhibiting at a studio in Singapore. During my visit there, I attended the show and was captivated by one piece. Since then, I’ve frequently visited him in Yogyakarta.

-Lo Hengky Senjaya (Collector)