Artist offers free medical checkups

YOGYAKARTA: Colorful performances at art openings are not unusual; free medical check-ups, however, are rare.

Artist Popok Tri Wahyudi's exhibition opening on Saturday will offer free medical treatment to the people of Mantrijeron village, who live near the Kedai Kebun Forum where the exhibition is to be held from April 2 to April 29.

Provided through a mobile clinic belonging to a local charitable foundation, two dentists and two physicians will be at the people's service from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the exhibition opening.

"This is my social function as an artist," Popok said.

The exhibition, Going over the border, uses recycled materials like sofas and lamp stands. The exhibition questioned the role of artists in the community, he said.

"The question is 'does the community need artists?'" --JP