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)