NAM contemporary art exhibit opens

NAM contemporary art exhibit opens

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will open an exhibition of contemporary art from developing countries grouped in the Non- Aligned Movement this morning at the Gedung Pameran Seni Rupa in Central Jakarta.

Chairwoman of the exhibit's organizing committee, Edi Sedyawati, told journalists after meeting President Soeharto on Wednesday that she has received around 350 paintings from 45 NAM member countries.

Other interested member countries are still welcome to send in works of art before the exhibition ends on June 30, she said.

"We will not limit the number of paintings to be displayed, nor will we limit the time of delivery. Some countries have expressed their wish to participate and have yet to send their works," Edi said.

"However it is clear that paintings we are going to exhibit are the best in their countries," said Edi, who is also Director General of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Siti Hediyati Herijadi, the fourth daughter of President Soeharto and one of the organizers, said that the organizing committee has gone to great lengths to bring the exhibition to life. The committee has even set aside special funding to handle shipping arrangements for certain countries lacking resources, she said.

"We have provided return tickets and accommodation in Indonesia to representatives from the poorer countries," said Siti, who is more popularly known as Mbak Titiek.

Mbak Titiek, however, refused to mention any overall budget figures.

"Not all of the 350 paintings will be insured, it much depends on the countries. If they think they need insurance, we will provide it," Edi said.

Some countries have asked that the paintings be insured and others have simply lent their paintings to the organizing committee for the occasion. (als)