Fire destroys hundreds of artworks in Bandung

BANDUNG (JP): Fire destroyed an art gallery on a main downtown street early Tuesday, reportedly incinerating hundreds of works by famous artists, including at least one piece by the late Affandi.

In addition to the damage to Galeri Braga at Jl. Braga 68, Antara news agency said a neighboring furniture store was also razed.

Among the works destroyed were Affandi's sketch Wajah, measuring 40 cm by 60 cm and valued at Rp million, Nude by Henk Ngantung, Gunungan by Ahmad Sadali, Topeng Bali by Nyoman Medja, Main Congkak by Sudarso and Bali Oh, Bali by Heri Dim.

Antara did not state whether all of the works were originals.

Eleven fire engines eventually brought the fire under control.

Located on a street famed for its row of antique and art stores, the gallery is one of the largest in the city. It was set up in 1990 and inaugurated by then mayor Ateng Wahyudi.

The owner, Prawira, 57, estimated losses, including silverware, at hundreds of million of rupiah.

The gallery's security guard Endang HS, 45, said the fire was believed to have originated from the furniture store at 1:30 a.m.

Endang said he immediately woke up Simon, Prawira's brother who lived at the gallery, and Ali M., the owner of the furniture store. He said all of the items in the furniture store were destroyed.

Capt. Iing Suryana of the Sumur police precinct said the cause of the fire and the amount of losses were still under investigation.

"Apart from hundreds of valuable paintings, hundreds of pieces of luxurious furniture were destroyed," he said. (anr)