Freedom fighter artist, Agus Djaya dies at 81

Freedom fighter artist, Agus Djaya dies at 81

JAKARTA (JP): Painter and decorated revolutionary fighter Agus
Djaya, 81, died on Sunday at 5 p.m. at his home and gallery in
Pamulang, Ciputat, in Tangerang.

Agus was revered in art circles for establishing and chairing
the first association of contemporary painters, PERSAGI in 1938.

S.Sudjojono, who was later to earn the title "father of
Indonesian modern painting" was the influential organization's
secretary.

Agus held his last exhibition, which he was unable to attend
because of illness, at the Jakarta Art Center in December.

His widow, Staniah, represented him last June to accept an
award for his dedication to contemporary art from the Ministry of
Education and Culture.

Staniah said yesterday that although Agus, a retired colonel,
was decorated as a revolutionary fighter 10 years ago, he never
received the monthly pension of Rp 250,000 (US$116) he was
entitled to.

Apart from this matter, she said he seemed to have "died in
peace" after establishing the "Agus Djaya Foundation of Fine Arts
and Social Education." He also recently received pledges of
funds for the care of around 200 of his paintings, which are now
stored at his home.

Agus, who was born in Pandeglang, West Java, on April 1, 1913,
suffered from shortness of breath and asthma as did noted West
Sumatran painter, Nashar, who died earlier this month.

Breathing difficulties were listed as the cause of death on
Agus' death certificate.

Oxygen tanks, to assist in his breathing, were stored in his
studio.

"He had stopped painting with oils since last year, and found
it easier to work in bed with crayons and pencil, besides making
sketches with charcoal, which an assistant would fill in with
paint," said his only son Dudy Djaya.

Agus, whose studio in his home at Bukit Pamulang Indah C7/10
was open yesterday morning so that his friends and family could
pay their last respects, was to be buried after the noon prayer.
(anr)