UOB Asean Painting of the Year depicts pandemic isolation

A lonely, meditative painting expressing solitude and resilience has emerged as the winner of this year's UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year competition.

Forced to spend much of his time alone during the pandemic, Indonesian artist Prabu Perdana painted the Stone Garden in the highlands of Bandung in West Java. The popular tourist attraction is shown empty of any human presence - though scattered amid the rocks are Mr Perdana's personal belongings, such as his radio, guitar and amplifier, which keep him company.

Mr Perdana, 36, says: "My painting titled Isolated Garden is a poetic representation of how the community stands united to fight the pandemic together, even as individuals remain isolated physically. The quiet garden reflected my solitude during this pandemic. The desire for connection and togetherness gives us hope in this time of crisis and I wanted this artwork to reflect peace in this uncertain period."