Unicef (United Nations's Children Fund) seasons greeting card, courtesy of Adam Malik Museum, JakartaBatara Lubis was born in Hutanagodang, Upper Mandailing, South Tapanuli residency, province of North Sumatra on February 2, 1927. Lubis is an accomplished drummer as well as a painter, used the many locations in which he lived as inspirations for his artwork. His style ranges from winding, ornate designs to simple shapes and brash colors, depending upon his current surroundings. Because of the different roles he played in each location (head of his clan, son of the chief, or artist), he focused on using colors rather than struggling to portray societal realities like many of his contemporaries.
Batara Lubis dilahirkan di Hutagodang, Mandailing Julu, keresidenan Tapanuli Selatan pada 2 Februari 1927. Beliau seorang pen-gondang sekaligus pelukis yang ulung, tempat-tempat yang ditempatinya menjadi ilham seni lukisannya. Gayanya merangkumi lilitan-lilitan, hiasan-hiasan, rupa bentuk yang mudah atau warna yang agak 'liar' tergantung pada persekitarannya. Peranannya yang berbagai pada setiap tempat (kepala marganya, anak raja, atau seniman), beliau memberi tumpuan pada warna dari bergelut untuk mempotret realitas masyarakat sebagaimana rakan-rakan semasanya.
