Artist of I is for Idiot cleared of insulting Islam

Prominent artist Anurendra Jegadeva, whose painting “I is for Idiot” caused an uproar among a few conservative Muslim groups recently, has been cleared of allegations of insulting Islam.

His controversial painting was returned to him and Anurendra told The Malaysian Insider that it was sold for an undisclosed amount.

The artist, popularly known as J Anu, was investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code for intent to wound the religious feelings of any person after a report was lodged against him.

The painting, which was on display at the M50 Selamat Hari Malaysia exhibition at Publika in Solaris Dutamas in Kuala Lumpur, was confiscated by police on August 29.

Anu said he was called to the Sentul police station on September 13 where he was questioned for almost four hours.

"Five days later, I was informed that Jakim had found no offending element in my painting," he said, referring to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.

The painting features the phrase "I is for Idiot" on top of the image of a chimpanzee riding a bicycle, a jet fighter pilot in front of the words "Mission Accomplished", and a red and white striped flag with a Jolly Roger skull and crossbones.

The use of the verse from the Quran — "In the name of God, The Compassionate and Merciful" — however had caused unhappiness among some Umno bloggers who lodged police reports.

Anu explained that the verse was used as a symbolic representation of the Iraqi people, whom he regarded as the innocent victims of their leaders as well as foreign powers.

The painting is said to be the artist's way of criticising the war on terror in Iraq waged by former United States president George W. Bush in 2002.

"The investigation against me was dropped and my painting was returned to me," the artist said.

He commended the police for their swift probe into the case and said that he was “treated fairly”.

However, he said statements made by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who was quoted as calling the organisers of the event “liars”, were uncalled for.

Nazri said the organisers had deceived the ministry by not showing all the paintings to be exhibited when they applied for the permit.

The exhibition was organised by Balai Seni Visual Negara under the ministry. More than 40 art galleries nationwide participated. It was supposed to have gone on until September 17.

According to Anu, the exhibition did not continue after his painting was confiscated two days before National Day.

"The accusations were uncalled for and baseless," Anu said.

He also said he did not receive any support from the National Art Gallery when the issue blew up.

"Everyone ignored the problem like it never happened but I am not going to let it go," he said, declining to elaborate.