"Research conducted by our team found that an organized syndicate is involved in forging paintings of some famous Indonesian painters and then selling them at high prices," Head of the Indonesian Art Enthusiasts Association (PPSI) Budi Setiadharma stated here on Friday.
They found some fake paintings replicating some masterpieces of S. Sudjojono, Affandi, Soedibio, Hendra Gunawan, and H. Widayat.
In Bali, a forgery case involving some paintings of Wayan Gunarsa was reported some time ago.
According to Setiadharma, the syndicate has a vast network and employs some specialists to make fake paintings.
"Some are given the task to paint, while others work on forging the signatures of painters and making the fake paintings resemble the original works of art," he noted.
Therefore, the association has urged art collectors and enthusiasts to be selective and aware of such facts before buying artworks.
"Seek advice from someone who is experienced, or you can have them tested in the forensic laboratory at the Bandung Institute of Technology," he remarked.
The PPSI will hold a painting exhibition and discussion on a theme of original and fake paintings on Saturday (Jan. 23) in Rumah Topeng and Wayang Setiadarma on Tegalbingin Street, Mas Village of Ubud, Gianyar, Bali Province.
The event is aimed at spreading awareness and educating the people on the existence of fake works of art in Indonesia.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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