Even though he’s sitting behind bars in Nusakambangan prison island in Central Java with an undecided fate, Myuran Sukumaran’s art will reach audiences across the world, all the way in London.
The Bali Nine Australian prisoner on Indonesian death row has become iconic for his artwork that he’s made while in Bali’s Kerobokan Prison as part of the prison’s art program.
With Sukumaran’s ever impending execution, his cousin, Niranjela Karunatilake, hopes that the art exhibition in London will add more pressure on President Joko Widodo to extend clemency, reports News Corp Australia.
“I hope people will come to see the exhibition next week and think of Myu and let Indonesia know that there are people all over the world calling for mercy,” Karunatilake said in a statement, as quoted by News Corp.
“Myu is a talented artist and I have seen his skill develop over the past four years. You can see him finding himself in his paintings. It is clear painting has been a vital comfort for him on death row.”
Like many others active in the mercy campaign, begging Jokowi to spare the lives of Sukumaran and fellow Bali Nine prisoner Andrew Chan, Karunatilake believes her cousin’s rehabilitation should be considered.
“Myu will be 34 on Friday (April 17) and it’s just too sad to think that could be his last birthday. The death penalty is never the answer and I don’t believe it deters crime. But in Myu’s case, when he has done so much to repent and improve prison conditions, it would be a real tragedy if his life was cut short.”
The exhibition will reportedly open next Monday and will feature artwork made during his 10 years on death row.
Sukumaran’s life is still hanging by a thread, with Indonesian authorities saying they’re desperate to execute the Bali Nine pair this month, while his lawyers are the midst of loding a fresh appeal.
Photo: Friends of Myuran Sukumaran Facebook page
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