Footnotes

Provenance
Collection of Mr and Mrs Sten Stenström, acquired directly from the artist in Bali in the 1950s.
Bukowski, Stockholm, 17 November 2021, lot 484.
Acquired from the above by the present owner.
Private collection, Asia.

Auke Sonnega
巴里島女孩
油彩 布本
1955年作

簽名：A. SONNEGA 1955（右下）

來源
Sten Stenström伉儷舊藏，於1950年代於峇里島直接得自藝術家本人
斯德哥爾摩Bukowski，2021年11月17日，編號484
現藏家得自自上述來源
亞洲私人收藏


Born in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, Auke Cornelis Sonnega studied at the Kunstnijverheidsschool in Amsterdam, where he honed his skills in arts and crafts. Sonnega initially worked as a textile designer in Batavia (now Jakarta) before moving to Bali in the mid-1930s. This move marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to immerse himself in the local culture and traditions.

Sonnega's deep connection with Indonesia was further strengthened by his travelogues for local newspapers. These writings not only demonstrated his literary talent, but also provided him a deep understanding of the people and their way of life. His artistic style was significantly influenced by the Art Deco movement and his background in textile design, which is evident in the intricate detail and vibrant colour palettes of his paintings.

Sonnega's oeuvre frequently features Balinese dancers, landscapes and scenes of daily life, capturing the essence of the island's beauty and culture. He was influenced by European artists such as Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet, who introduced Western themes and techniques to Bali. This distinctive style is characterised by a unique blend of Western and local influences, as well as bold geometric shapes, vibrant colours, and decorative elements, which are typical of the Art Deco style.

Balinese Girl was acquired by Dr. Sten Stenström and his wife Margot, who worked as a doctor and nurse in Korea during the 1950s. While vacationing in Bali, they met the artist Sonnega and developed a close friendship with him. This painting depicts a central figure with her black hair pulled back in a ponytail that curls under her right ear, decorated with red and yellow flowers. She wears traditional ear ornaments. The background of the painting is painted in neutral tones. This painting exemplifies Sonnega's attention to detail and vibrant use of colour, which brings the subject to life. The intricate details of the girl's accessories reflect Sonnega's background in textile design, while the overall composition demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of Balinese culture.

Auke Cornelis Sonnega's work is a testament to his ability to blend Western artistic techniques with the rich cultural heritage of Bali and Java. His paintings are not only visually stunning, but also deeply evocative, capturing the beauty and spirituality of the people and landscapes he so admired.