Goddess

Artist / Maker Mohammed Harahap (Indonesian, b. 1951)

Date2004

MediumOil and gold leaf on canvas

Dimensions40 x 30 in. (101.6 x 76.2 cm)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift to President Geoffroy from Erwin Sutanto. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

Object numberU2009.211

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureIndonesian

Label TextThe island of Bali is home to the highest percentage of Indonesia's Hindu minority with Muslim, Christianity, and Buddhism also represented on the island. Bali’s culture, people, and traditions are the subject of artist Mohammed Harahap’s work. Moving to Bali as a young man Harahap uses rich colors and gold leaf in his depictions of traditionally dressed Balinese women. In "Goddess" the artist has depicted a female figure who sits with her hands clasped in prayer or meditation. The figure is depicted with a lotus flower, a common symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The painting celebrates not only the religious traditions of Bali, but also the strength and beauty of the island’s residents.

SignedMohammad top right

Locations