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Art fair ART|JOG still drawing visitors despite criticism from artists
Despite being criticized for being sponsored by mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia, contemporary art fair ART|JOG 2016 is still being flooded by visitors.
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These contemporary-style paintings are among the most widely recognized artworks displayed at the Jogja National Museum during ART|JOG 2016. (The Jakarta Post/Stefanus Ajie)
D
espite being criticized for being sponsored by mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia, contemporary art fair ART|JOG 2016 is still being flooded by visitors.
Set to be held until June 27 at the Jogja National Museum in Yogyakarta, the event committee reportedly sold an average of 1,000 tickets per day with visitors during weekends numbering up to 1,500 people.
A visitor from Jakarta, Dian Rusdi, said this year's event showcased many "awesome" artworks, included Japanese animation art called Kiya-kiya and works by Taring Padi arts community member, Mohamad "Ucup" Yusuf. "I was quite surprised to see Ucup's works. Usually he talks about social upheaval; this time it highlights religious content," said Dian as quoted by tempo.co.
At least 72 artists are showcasing their works at the fair.
(Read also: Universal signals detected at ARTJOG 2016)
Previously, event director Heri Pemad said that the committee would not return the Rp 100 million (US$7,500) given by Freeport to support the fair. He explained that they may face a lawsuit from the company if they decided to cancel the partnership.
Several artists who participated in this year's ART|JOG are reportedly among those who criticized the committee's decision to partner with Freeport since the company was considered to have committed environmental and human rights violations while operating in Papua.
In a press release, the committee stated that they had asked Freeport for sponsorship because they were in dire need of money and, without the partnership, the lack of funds would have hindered the execution of ART|JOG 2016 and its supporting events. (mas/kes)
