Batara Lubis (b.1930 – d.1983)
Mandailing Bride and Groom II,1971

Oil on canvas

Mandailing Bride and Groom II celebrates the rich cultural traditions of the Mandailing people of North Sumatra through the depiction of a traditional wedding ceremony. More than a union between two individuals, a Mandailing wedding represents the coming together of families and communities, affirming values of kinship, custom, and cultural continuity. By portraying the bride and groom in traditional attire, Batara Lubis highlights the importance of preserving these living traditions.
 

Painted at a time when many Indonesian artists were exploring regional cultures as sources of artistic inspiration, the work reflects a growing appreciation for Indonesia's diverse cultural heritage. Through scenes such as this, Batara introduced the customs of his Mandailing homeland to wider audiences while celebrating the enduring significance of local identity. The painting entered the Museum of Fine Arts collection through a donation by Adam Malik in 1976.