Kuratorial Disagreement, Indonesian National Gallery Postpones Yos Suprapto Exhibition "Revival: Land For Food Sovereignty"

The Indonesian National Gallery (GNI) building in Jakarta (ANTARA)

JAKARTA The Indonesian National Gallery (GNI) officially postponed the opening of the Yos Suprapto Singles Exhibition titled Revival: Land for Food Sovereignty', which was originally scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024.

This delay occurred after curator Suwarno Wisetrotomo decided to resign due to disagreements with artists regarding the work to be exhibited.

The exhibition, which is planned to last until January 19, 2025, should feature Yos Suprapto's painting and installation with the theme of food sovereignty and Indonesian agrarian culture.

However, a number of works displayed were deemed not in accordance with the agreed curation theme, because it was the artist's personal initiative.

Although mediation has been carried out, both parties failed to reach an agreement. As a result, Suwarno chose to resign from his duties as curator.

The person in charge of the GNI Unit, Jarot Mahendra, stated that the decision to postpone was taken to maintain the territorial integrity. "We respect the good relations with Yos Suprapto and Suwarno Wisetrotomo. This step was taken to find a collective and constructive solution," said Jarot in a written statement in Jakarta, Friday, December 20, 2024.

Jarot emphasized that the GNI always upholds the principles of transparency and accountability. "This decision is an effort to ensure that the exhibition runs according to high curatorial standards, as well as to represent the diversity of art expressions," he said.

The Special Staff of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia for Media and Public Communication, Asrian Mirza, also responded to this incident. He emphasized that the dynamics between artists and curators is a natural thing in maintaining a balance of artistic vision and professionalism.

"It's purely a dynamic between the artist and the curator. There is no interference between the government or the Ministry of Culture," explained Asrian.

"The government remains committed to presenting high-quality works of art that reflect cultural wealth and important themes for the community," he added, Friday, December 20.

Until this news was written, there was no new schedule for the opening of the exhibition. The GNI apologized to the public for the inconvenience caused.

"We hope to welcome the community back to the upcoming exhibitions at the Indonesian National Gallery," concluded Jarot.