Robert Draws – Yos Suprapto’s art journey has taken a dramatic turn, with a mixture of triumphs and challenges, especially after a controversial situation involving his planned exhibition at the National Gallery of Indonesia (GNI). The renowned Indonesian artist recently revealed that out of 37 paintings initially slated for display. Three have already been sold, while the remaining pieces are set to be showcased elsewhere. Despite the setbacks, Yos remains committed to his art and its mission, believing strongly in the messages embedded within his works.
The planned exhibition at the National Gallery of Indonesia faced a significant setback when discussions surrounding the narrative and conceptual framing of Yos’s works fell short of an agreement. The disagreement led to the cancellation of the exhibition, and the 37 paintings—along with some smaller works—were pulled from the gallery.
Yos Suprapto, accompanied by former curator Suwarno Wisetrotomo and the GNI staff. Addressed the media regarding the decision. “We, the three of us—me as the artist, GNI, and the former curator—had a meeting, but we didn’t find common ground. Therefore, we decided that the exhibition could not continue,” Yos explained during an interview at GNI in Jakarta on December 23, 2024.
The cancellation of the exhibition marked the end of a lengthy discussion. Yos made it clear that he and the gallery had reached a mutual decision to remove the works.
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While the exhibition was canceled, Yos Suprapto shared some positive news about his artwork. He revealed that three of his 37 paintings had already been sold. However, he was tight-lipped about the prices or the identity of the buyers. Maintaining that his focus remained on the broader message his paintings conveyed rather than their monetary value.
“Why talk about the price? There will be time for that later,” Yos remarked when asked about the sale of his works.
Yos explained that his paintings were more than just visual art; they carried a significant mission. He emphasized that his works were intended to raise awareness about critical issues in Indonesia. Particularly around food sovereignty and the nation’s ability to make independent decisions regarding agriculture. “These paintings are meant to raise awareness about our sovereignty as a nation. We should be focused on food sovereignty,” he stated.
Despite the cancellation of his exhibition at GNI, Yos remains optimistic. He plans to display the remaining paintings in other venues that align with his vision and mission. Focusing not only on the aesthetic value of his works but also on the social and cultural messages they deliver.
Yos Suprapto was clear that, despite the cancellation, there were no lingering issues or unresolved disputes. When asked if he anticipated further protests or conflicts, Yos was resolute: “What protests? It’s done. We reached an agreement, but we couldn’t find the same point of understanding.”
As for any potential violation of his rights as an artist, Yos refrained from discussing it in detail. “That’s a different issue. Everything has been agreed upon. GNI has fulfilled all the agreements that were made,” he explained.
For Yos, the cancellation and subsequent removal of his works were not seen as a defeat but as part of his journey as an artist. The primary goal, he explained, was not the exhibition itself, but the message that his works convey to society. By addressing important societal issues such as food sovereignty, Yos Suprapto’s art becomes a form of activism—a call to awareness and change.
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Looking ahead, Yos Suprapto remains focused on sharing his art with the world. While he refrained from discussing specific details about future exhibitions, it’s clear that his dedication to his craft and its underlying message will continue to guide his journey. His works, which are rooted in Indonesia’s social and cultural context, are likely to appear in new spaces, reflecting his ongoing commitment to both his art and its greater mission.
With plans for new exhibitions on the horizon, Yos’s art journey is far from over. For now, the artist remains committed to his values, confident that his art will find its rightful place in galleries and exhibitions that appreciate the depth of his vision.
Yos Suprapto’s art journey prove that art can be a powerful tool for social change, challenging conventions, and raising awareness on important issues in Indonesia and beyond.
