Forum Tracking Fake Paintings and Exhibition Maestro and Their Epigon held at Ciputra Artpreneur

Jakarta, November 22nd, 2018 - Ciputra Artpreneur collaborated with the Association of Indonesian Art Lovers and Popular Literature Gramedia to organise a forum cum book launch entitled "Tracking Fake Paintings", accompanied by an exhibition "Maestro with Its Epigons".

The Forum, which was attended by collectors, artists, journalists, gallery and museum managers, academics and art critics was held at the Ciputra Artpreneur Galleries 1 & 2.

President Director Ciputra Artpreneur, Rina Ciputra Sastrawinata said that it was very difficult to eradicate the practice of painting falsification in Indonesia. She highlighted that eradicating the practice of paintings forgery was not only the responsibility of one or two parties. Strong synergy is needed between various parties involving the government, art collectors, museum managers, curators, and artists.

"Therefore through the discussion a today's forum, I hope we can work towards a solution on how to stop the practice of painting falsification. As many are aware that my father had a close relationship with master Hendra Gunawan and as a form of his love for the master's works, he decided to build a museum to preserve the works of Hendra," she added.

The Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Art Lovers (PPSI) Budi Setiadharma stated that every museum manager in Indonesia must avoid the installation of artworks that having unclear background. According to him, this will pave the way for improper trading practices, especially in the art world.

"In my opinion, it doesn't matter if an artist wants to imitate the style of painting from a maestro. We may copy the style but don't just imitate his work, because it amounts to a practice of falsification.

Through this event, PPSI wants to encourage young artists to be more creative in producing their own works, "he said.

Agus Dermawan, curator and one of the Forum speakers said the authenticity of an artwork can be seen from three aspects, namely visual aspect, forensic laboratory test, and based on the artist's notes. If the visual is unconvincing, it is necessary to do a forensic test in the laboratory. And if it is still not convincing, then we can trace its authenticity based on the record of the artist's work.

"Unfortunately, in Indonesia today there are few forensic laboratory facilities which verify the authenticity of a painting. In addition, the majority of Indonesian artists also do not take notes of their work. These steps need to be encouraged and paid attention to if we want to reduce the practice of painting falsification, "said Agus.

Syakieb Sungkar, the other Forum speaker said that the book "Tracking Fake Paintings" is the latest record that discusses the ins and outs of the fake painting business network in Indonesia. It should be noted that in the past twenty years, the paintings of Indonesian maestros have been favored by domestic and foreign collectors. For example, the paintings of Raden Saleh, Hendra Gunawan, Sudjojono, Lee Man Fong, Le Mayeur and Affandi are sought after by these collectors. The price of their paintings has reached billions of rupiah. This trend led to the practice of painting falsification.

"And to convince the buyers, they give a fake signature to the fake paintings, complete with fake certificates. In addition, the canvas and paint were designed in order to look old. They also use old frames and nails so that the painting looks original," Syakieb added.

The exhibition "Maestro and Their Epigon" features 26 paintings by Dullah, Gung Man, Affandi, Kartika Affandi, Men Sagan, Arie Smit, Kok Poo, Inanta, I Gusti Agung Wiranata, I Gusti Agung Galuh, Kepakisan, and Walter Spies. This exhibition runs from November 22-25, 2018.

Photo : Mitra Prasetya