Trubus Soedarsono was a painter and a revolutionary during the tumultuous period of Indonesian history, namely the Japanese occupation of Indonesia and the struggle for independence against Dutch colonial rule. He studied painting alongside other grand maestros such as Sudjojono and Affandi in Jakarta. His oil paintings often feature ethereal, impressionistic images of Indonesian dance and culture. The artist tends to use secondary and tertiary colours that reflect his restless sprit. This can be seen in this piece, “Pose,” a young woman with a steely gaze. Soedarsono’s attention to detail is not lost here, for one is able to see the fine lines on her face and earrings, almost as if the viewer is allowed a window into her soul.

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