Cirebon Mask

In 1980 Hendra, together with Nuraeni and his son, Dadang, moved to Bali. In a vacant lot owned by Tjok Agung Mas, near Ratna Warta Museum, Ubud, Hendra set up a home that also doubled as a studio. During this time of preparation Hendra and his family stayed at the Menara guesthouse, not far from where the studio was being built. Hendra felt that living in Bali was serene and at the same time inexpensive. He admitted to only paying a rent of Rp. 180,000,- per month. And he need only pay if he had any money. This felt like heaven to Hendra. On the island of the Gods he led a very quiet life, not at all like when he was in Bandung where he was always haunted by a political stigma. During this quiet period he started having thoughts about traditional Indonesian art. "Bali in fact invited me to wander into the far corners of Indonesia. Among them was Cirebon, the birthplace of my friend, Affandi," said Hendra. It should be noted that Hendra had once held a birthday celebration for Affandi in his residence, in Ubud, Bali. It was non other than to Affandi that this painting Cirebon Mask was dedicated. (Agus Dermawan T.)