Le Mayeur's works in danger: Artist

Le Mayeur's works in danger: Artist

JAKARTA (JP): As many as 89 paintings of the Belgium-born
master Le Mayeur are in danger of being damaged due to poor
storage and exposure to the weather.

The Antara news agency quoted painter Diany Asmina Sinung as
saying that among the maestro's works (currently stored in Le
Mayeur Museum in Sanur Beach, Bali) is one painting already
damaged beyond repair. In addition, the paint on seven others has
started to peel, while dozens of others have begun to fade.

"All art lovers, both domestic and foreign, should immediately
intervene to restore and prevent the works from being damaged
further," Diany said.

"Unless something is done, it's possible that in the next few
years, Le Mayeur's paintings will turn to dust, and the works of
this great painter, who has contributed so much to the arts in
Bali, will only be a memory," she warned.

Diany, who is launching a one-woman campaign to save Le
Mayeur's works, said most of the deterioration is caused by ocean
spray, sunshine and poor maintenance techniques; though in some
instances, it is just a matter of the paintings being relatively
old.

A.J. Le Mayeur de Merpres came to Bali in 1932 and married a
famous Balinese dancer, Ni Pollok, who was also one of his
models. Le Mayeur, considered to be one of the most prominent
Balinese painters, helped shape the development of arts in Bali.

Le Mayeur died in 1958, while his wife passed away in 1985.

"We owe Le Mayeur for his role in the growth and development
of painting in Bali to its current recognition overseas," Diany
said. "There's simply no reason why we should not be concerned
and not help save Le Mayeur's works."

Diany plans to hold exhibitions, both of Le Mayeur's paintings
and of her own works, to raise funds for her campaign.

Antara reported that a number of gallery owners and
connoisseurs abroad have promised to help Diany in her efforts.
(swe)