FX Harsono

FX Harsono (b. 1949) is a seminal figure in the Indonesian contemporary art scene. Since his student days, he has been an active critic of Indonesian politics, society and culture, always updating his artistic language to the current new social and cultural contexts. Harsono’s own biography and family history are often the basis of his art, pointing at the disconcerting situation of minorities, the socially underprivileged against the backdrop of Indonesia’s own history and political development. This intersection of the personal and the political is particularly evident in his most recent works. Furthermore, his oeuvre can be seen as a constant questioning and reflection of his own position as an artist within society.

FX Harsono studied painting at STSRI “ASRI”, Yogyakarta (Indonesia) from 1969-74 and at IKJ (Jakarta Art Institute) from 1987-91. From 2005 – 2013 he is a lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang (West Java). Harsono is also an active art critic, regularly writing about social questions and the development of contemporary art.

He was awarded the 2014 Prince Clause Award, from Prince Clause Fund, Netherlands and the Anugrah Adhikarya Rupa 2014 Award, from Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia. 2015 Joseph Balestier Award For the Freedom of Art, from Embassy of the United States of America and Art Stage Singapore.