Prominent visual artist Ahmad Fuad Osman said the issue of removing four of his artworks from an exhibition at the National Art Gallery (NAG) was still not resolved.
He said the NAG had said three out of the four artworks which were removed would be reinstated but this was something he disagreed with.
“The people from NAG did tell me that today they (the NAG management) would meet with the minister to discuss this issue.
“They want to reinstate three of the four censored artworks but I do not agree. So the issue is not resolved,” Ahmad Fuad said to Malaysiakini when contacted.
On Feb 12, the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN) was expected to hold a meeting to consider reinstating Ahmad Fuad’s four artworks.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakthiar Wan Chik had said that the LPSVN members will meet to discuss the issue and look into the possibility of reinstating the four works.
Earlier, there was a letter said to be written by the Balik Pulau MP to the LPSVN chairperson Rashidi Hasbullah, which was sighted on social media.
Among others, the letter urged LPSVN to consider reinstating Ahmad Fuad’s artworks.
According to the letter, one of the reasons is that the works had already gone through the approval process. Another reason is that the excuse for removing the works was unclear and inconsistent with the aim of the exhibition.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad also explained that among his artworks which was not approved for the exhibition was one titled Imitating the Mountain.
He said one of the reasons given by the NAG was that the artwork is perceived to be pornographic.
“Pornographic, but there are two other nude artworks, why did they get through? One of them was even a figure of a woman,” he said.
Imitating the Mountain is an artwork depicting the figure of a nude man lying down.
The exhibition, "At The End of The Day Art Is Not Important", showcases Ahmad Fuad’s artworks and is due to end on Feb 20.
The four artworks – three of which depicted political figures - were removed days before the end of the exhibition.
This act invited criticism from various quarters including art lovers and politicians.
The four works which were removed were Untitled 2012, Dreaming of Being Somebody Afraid of Being Nobody, Imitating the Mountain 2004 and Mak Bapak Borek, Anak Cucu Cicit Pun Rintik.
Previously, the NAG released a statement saying they had removed the four artworks to prevent them from being misinterpreted.
Malaysiakini has contacted Muhammad Bakhtiar and NAG chief director Amerruddin Ahmad but they have declined to comment. - Mkini
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