“Wrapping The Past” (2009) is an important and stunning large-scale oil painting and a true tour de force by young Indonesian Contemporary artist Wayan Suja (B. 1975). Painted in soft blues with the exception of her bright red lips and subtle pinks at her eyes, the woman confronts the viewer's gaze with a stare. The entire scene is surreal, as her portrait is painted out of context and a white streaming banner that bears bold red text in three languages winds its way through the composition creating spatial depth, as well as acting as a literal statement. The use of computer printed text on this scroll written in English, French and Chinese, and not just one hand-written text in a single language, is the artist's way of conflating Traditional Asian calligraphic art with Contemporary art.

The treatment of the bright white and red text, in its realist manner with folds and creases partially revealing, while at the same time partially concealing, adds tension as well as commentary on the globalization of Indonesia and the world in which this woman now lives, metaphorically between past and present, old and new. She is an allegory for Indonesia, and the younger generations of her peers growing up in this Modern era, very different from those of their parents.

Wayan Suja was born in Batubulan, 1975. He graduated from Indonesian Art Institute in Denpasar in 2001. He first exhibitions were in 1994. He has been the recipient of various elite awards such Finalist of 7th Phillip Morris Art Award in year 2000 and awarded Best Sketch and Best Work in the previous years. His work was included in the short-list among the top 30 Asian artist for The 2005 Sovereign Art Prize, Hong Kong. His first solo exhibition was held in Komaneka on December 2007. His work is now exhibited in galleries in Europe and Asia and at international auction houses.