Art is in the eye of the beholder; whether it be a simple red dot or to a big red flower. However, there are conservatists who restrain certain types of art- nude art.Despite the controversy, Indonesian artist Agus Suwage continues to create his master piece
Suwage's own portrait drawing
Living in Indonesia- a muslim country- Suwage encounters prejudice against his art work, which contains depictions of nudity. In 2005, a huge dispute between Suwage and the Islamic Defender Front (FPI) occurred after his release of a installation, Pinkswing park. It contained drawings of nude men and women in a Eden like garden. FPI were coercing Suwage into censoring his work, covering up certain body part with humble white circles, or else they would attack with 250 men. With no other choice, Suwage did as he was told, covering his art. Soon after, in 2008, a anti-pornography law was passed, which not only restrained contemporary artists such as Suwage, but also traditional Balinese and papuan nude pieces.
Pinkswing Park with the white circles censorship
In spite of the fact that Suwage’s world of art has been closed off in his home country, Suwage continues to strive create his artwork. He currently opened up an exhibition in Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI) in Singapore displaying his print artwork, focusing on his nude prints. Containing some of his previous art works and some recent art works, with exquisite details imprinted in paper.
Suwage's STPI gallery artwork
Whether you believe certain works of art should be restricted, it’s simply art- another way for people express them selves- even though it is an acquired taste.
STPI's gallery artwork create by Suwage
I went to see the exibition, it was very good!!