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)