AUTHORITIES should have a more open attitude towards creative artworks, said artist Ahmad Fuad Osman, who was a recent victim of censorship at National Art Gallery.

The artist said the removal of his artworks by the gallery would have affected the overall narrative of the exhibition which showcased his works.

“When we planned the exhibition, every piece was connected together. To take a few pieces down would affect the narrative of the show.

“If they want to take down four pieces, then they might as well close down the whole show,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Last week, the NAG reinstated Fuad’s artworks following a public outcry over its decision to four pieces which were deemed to be “obscene” and “political”.

The gallery’s objection was to a piece titled Imitating the Mountain, an oil painting showing a man lying naked against a backdrop of mountain ranges.

The other three artworks were Untitled (2012), Dreaming of Being Somebody Afraid of Being Nobody and Mak Bapak Borek, Anak Cucu Cicit Pun Rintik.

Fuad’s ongoing exhibition is entitled At the End of the Day Art is Not Important and showcases his works from 1990-2019.

He said he and the curator of the exhibition had adhered to the necessary processes before starting the exhibition.

“What we don’t understand is why did they take down the pieces midway through the exhibition?

“If it was the previous government, we definitely would not be able to showcase the artworks.

“This also reflects on the new government which has to be more open to this (artwork),” he said.

Fuad also thinks only a handful of people are against his exhibition.

“I’m a Muslim and we know our limitations. But don’t add more conflict for us.

“The authorities should have more engagement with the artists.” – February 21, 2020.