Brilio.net - Yos Suprapto's solo exhibition titled "Kewakitan: Tanah untuk Kedaulatan Pangan" at the National Gallery was forced to be postponed before the opening. A number of invited guests who attended on December 19, 2024 were disappointed because the exhibition space was suddenly locked without prior notice.
The delay was triggered by tensions between Yos and the exhibition's curator, Suwarno Wisetrotomo, over paintings that were deemed inappropriate for the theme. This issue even made the curator resign from his position due to differences of opinion that were difficult to bridge.
This situation has drawn much comment, especially because the works in question contain symbolic messages related to social, political, and economic issues. Oscar Motulloh, a photographer and art observer, considers this a form of silencing in the world of fine art in the current government era.
According to Yos, the paintings were never problematic during the curatorial process until the moment before the opening. He felt that the paintings depicted social reality as it is, even though they contain a critique of power.
"I don't want to deal with the National Gallery and the Ministry of Culture anymore," he said, quoted by brilio.net on Saturday (21/12).
Yos also revealed that he refused to take down the paintings, even willing to cancel the entire exhibition if the demand was still forced. His attitude reflects a strong desire to maintain the integrity of his work even if it means facing major consequences.
"I think it's an expression of the curator being overly afraid," added Eros Djarot, who was also present at the opening.
Here are five portraits of Yos Suprapto's controversial paintings that failed to be exhibited, collected by brilio.net from Instagram @cherikh_quintus on Saturday (21/12).
1. This work depicts a farmer feeding a man in a tie, which seems to represent the elite class. According to Yos, this painting was initially not a problem until the curator suddenly asked for the work to be removed from the exhibition. This work seems to voice the inequality between agricultural workers and the economic elite.
painting by yos suprapto similar to jokowi
2024 Instagram/@cherikh_quintus
2. The portrait of a Javanese king sitting on a throne was also questioned because the content was considered too bold. The king is seen stepping on the people while another figure carries a firearm, reflecting a symbol of repressive power. This theme is believed by observers to be a sharp criticism of authoritarian government practices.
painting by yos suprapto similar to jokowi
2024 Instagram/@cherikh_quintus
3. Another painting shows a farmer leading a red cow to the palace, but the farmer's movements appear to be covered by shadows. The red cow is a symbolic element that can be interpreted deeply in both economic and political contexts.
painting by yos suprapto similar to jokowi
2024 Instagram/@cherikh_quintus
4. The last work shows a figure lifting a throne to the sky, as if indicating the supremacy of power that is not down to earth. This visual composition looks simple but is full of messages that reflect the gap between ordinary people and their leaders. The painting invites many interpretations.
painting by yos suprapto similar to jokowi
2024 Instagram/@cherikh_quintus