Women artists together for a cause

By Matdon

BANDUNG (JP): It is still relatively uncommon for women artists, either alone or in joint exhibitions, to have a forum to show their art. Some notable exceptions in recent years were the 1995 Group Six Exhibition, one of 100 Indonesian women painters, the Triumvirate Exhibition and Elly Djohariah Roedyat's solo exhibition.

The dearth of exhibitions is notwithstanding the many outstanding women painters in the country, some of whom are part of the Association of Indonesian Women Painters (IWPI). They often arrange their own exhibitions in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and other cities.

Their most recent venture is in Bandung, where 25 noted women painters are taking part in the exhibition, Care for Fellow Humans, at Hidayat Gallery, Jl. Sulanjana 36, Bandung. The exhibition, which opened on Jan. 27, runs until Feb. 14.

The women painters are Elly Djohariah, Nakis Barli, Anna Witri, Ammi S. Kandi, Clara Aida, Engelina Firmansyah, Fachdila Bebasari, Hamisah Haryoso, Indrawati Halim, Irene Endarti, Judy Indahwati, Lenawaty Tjandradrasa, Lili Simon, Mettanada, Pegawati Lina, Prie Ernalia, Rukmini Yusuf, Samsunuwiyati, Sri Hartini, Susiawati, Syeni Setiayu Roedyat, Soedjanah Darusman, Theresia Haryanto, Yulia Sugiarti and Fatimah.

Each painter is exhibiting two works, with the proceeds from sales to be donated to school dropouts, orphans, elderly people with disabilities and victims of natural disasters. The works are on sale from Rp 500,000 to Rp 12.5 million per piece.

Exhibition committee chairwoman Elly Djohariah said the motivation for the event came from a sense of responsibility and desire to participate in nation building, particularly in developing the fine arts in Indonesia.

The women artists are not newcomers, but are experienced in showing their works. Elly, for instance, has held exhibitions since 1950. Most of the women are in their 50s and, while their works vary, they tend to show landscapes and the beauty of flora and fauna.

The women said their involvement in IWPI was a forum to create and carry out humanitarian activities was not separated from the guidance of notable Bandung artist Barli Sasmitawinata. Barli also has allowed his gallery to be used as a secretariat for the IWPI.