Foreword
The Remarks of the Rector of ISI Yogyakarta
Modern Art`s Debt to Primitive Artists
Indonesia Primitive Art
Made Gde Putrawan
Pendiri Puma Museum		  

    F O R E W O R D
 
      It all began from my love of artwork, which eventually led me to being an art collector, of not only paintings and statues but also primitive art. Initially I collected artwork as an investment, but then I fell in love with my collection, and I have never wanted to sell any of it even though I got some very high offers.

      My love of and pride about Indonesian art has been boosted even more since I participated in art auction for Indonesian primitive artwork overseas. In fact, our primitive artwork is fantastically appreciated there and prices can reach up to billions of rupee.

      On one occasion I met Haji Daeng Iskandar who is an art dealer, very well known in the trade of primitive artwork overseas. Daeng has close relations with art collections including Jean Paul Barbier, the biggest collector of primitive statues in the world. He is also the owner of the Barbier-Mueller museum in Switzerland. During that encounter, Daeng mentioned that Jean Paul Barbier had wanted to found a museum dedicated purely to Indonesian primitive statues. I was surprised hearing that, and was inspired to gather up my collection to be put into a museum. Originating from this dialogue, finally a museum was founded and called PUMA MUSEUM.

      This museum will be officially opened on 31 December 2004. This enterprise will certainly be successful because of the support from all of the people whom I will not be able to mention one by one. In selecting the artwork which is displayed in the museum, I was helped by my friends who have experience in this field including Haji Daeng Iskandar and Wahyono Martowikrido (the Head of the History and Archeology section on national Museum in Jakarta)

      To add the value of the museum, we agreed to display I Made Wiradana's paintings on the front wall of the museum building. I Made Wiradana is a painter whose work has been inspired by primitive art depicted on ceramic murals. For these reasons, I would like to thank to all of the people who have been involved and supportive and motivating so that PUMA MUSEUM could be established to express my love and care for my own people's artwork. Finally I hope that the museum can help the government to preserve a part of Indonesian culture.