Paintings sold to refugees

DENPASAR, Bali: Noted painter Mohammed Harahap has sold 40 of his paintings to Madurese refugees from Sampit, Central Kalimantan, who are now living in Glanmore plantation, 40 kilometers south of Banyuwangi, for only Rp 100 (1 cent) each.

The paintings, sized 30 centimeters by 30 centimeters, were sold in an exhibition in the middle of the plantation, which was opened by the chief of Parangarjo village, Antara reported.

"Besides being cheap, every painting had a Rp 100,000 note glued on it," Mohammed said.

He added that many criticized his actions as an abuse of art.

"I want people from the lower economic bracket to also be able to buy expensive paintings. An artist mustn't just think about money, but also find ways to help other people," he said.

Mohammed is known for his expensive paintings. One of his paintings, a collage which combines gold and diamonds, is on offer for Rp 1 billion ($90,909).

His paintings have been collected by prominent figures like former president B.J. Habibie and businessman Aburizal Bakrie. (hdn)