KALEIDOSCOPE,- As we know, the senior Indonesian artist Nasirun—affectionately known as ‘Pak Nas’—passed away some time ago. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from numerous artists across social media. Fellow artists, such as Dwi Sasono and Widhi Mulia, even flew in specifically to attend his funeral. Then, what special things made Pak Nas such a significant figure? What was his impact on the Indonesian art world?
Nasirun (1965–2026) was a prominent Indonesian contemporary artist, painter, and art maestro based in Yogyakarta. Known for his expressive style, he famously described his creative process as “painting while praying,” blending Javanese mythology, wayang kulit traditions, and Islamic Sufi spirituality with contemporary everyday realities.
Background and Education
- Birth & Early Life: Born Masyhuri on October 1, 1965, in Cilacap, Central Java, before later adopting the name Nasirun.
- Relocation to Yogyakarta: Moved to Yogyakarta in 1983, studying batik craft at SSRI/SMSR and later fine arts at ASRI/ISI Yogyakarta, graduating in 1994.
- Artistic Influences: Deeply inspired by the mystical tales of his mother and the Islamic spiritual lifestyle of his father.
Artistic Style and Mediums
- Visual Characteristics: Recognized for vibrant colors, fluid deformed shapes, intense ornamentation, and rich impasto textures.
- Diverse Mediums: Worked beyond standard canvas to paint and carve on unusual objects, including furniture, food packaging, crackers cans, and cars.
- Major Exhibitions: Showcased globally across Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, and North America, with notable shows like Breath of Nasirun in Tokyo and RUN–Embracing Diversity in Yogyakarta.
Legacy and Passing
- Awards: Received prestigious recognitions including the Philip Morris Art Award and multiple ISI Yogyakarta awards.
- Passing: Passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 60 in Yogyakarta, and was laid to rest at the Girisapto Imogiri Artist Cemetery in Bantul.
What are the unique facts about Nasirun?
The most unique stories about Nasirun center on his eccentric lifestyle choices, unconventional artistic medium canvas choices, and humble worldview
1. The Multi-Billionaire Painter Who Refused to Own a Cell Phone
Despite being a highly successful artist whose paintings sold for billions of rupiah, Nasirun famously refused to own or use a mobile phone throughout his entire life. He preferred human-centric interaction, choosing to speak in person or meet physically.
The choice stemmed from an overwhelming moment early in his career when his art market value boomed. Five different gallery owners and investors called his landline phone in rapid succession, pressuring him into exclusive contracts. Overwhelmed by the digital rush and unable to say no or accept over the phone, he cut himself off from mobile devices entirely to preserve his peace and protect his creative process. This choice even led to him humorously getting completely lost in Bangkok, Thailand, without any way for anyone to track him.
2. He Owned a Fleet of Cars But Never Drove
For his massive 2016 solo exhibition titled Run: Embracing Diversity at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Nasirun broke multiple Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) records. His most famous feat was painting 24 luxury and vintage cars with highly detailed Javanese wayang and abstract motifs. Ironically, while Nasirun owned a personal collection of cars, he never learned how to drive and never drove a single vehicle throughout his entire life.
3. Painting on Anything (Including Cracker Cans and Tables)
Nasirun did not believe art should be restricted to a canvas cloth. He viewed every physical object as a canvas with its own story. He regularly painted on unusual household objects, including:
- 113 pigeon coops (pagupon) stacked to form a miniature Borobudur Temple.
- 13 whole wooden tables turned into fluid narrative paintings.
- Everyday commercial objects like old cracker cans, food packaging, and expensive branded leather bags.
4. No Difference Between a Global Gala and a Neighborhood Pameran
In the art community, Nasirun was renowned for having a vast, generous heart (kebesaran hati). While most world-class artists selectively choose prestigious galleries, Nasirun treated global exhibitions and neighborhood-level events (pameran tingkat RT) with the exact same level of respect and support. He never turned down visitors to his studio, frequently initiated conversations with ordinary people first, and famously stated toward the end of his life, “I no longer hold the right to be angry.”
Once again, Nasirun is more than just a name. His work is grounded and inspires everyone. Nasirun is not truly gone; he has simply taken flight in a different realm beyond our sight. Yet, the presence of “Pak Nas” will endure forever in the hearts of all who appreciate his art.
