news

Myuran Sukumaran has painted a moving tribute to the Indonesian President.

The portrait of “Jokowi” is one of the his greatest masterpieces to date.

Bali Nine inmate Myuran Sukumaran has unveiled a portrait of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

According to Fairfax Media, Sukumaran started the piece after his clemency hearing was rejected in January, as a way to express his feelings and cope with the bad news.

He signed the portrait with the powerful words “people can change”.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Painting is his refuge. After he painted this image, he returned to teaching his painting classes in Kerobokan, which have helped so many other prisoners. It was an important step for Myuran,” a family friend told Fairfax Media.

Related content: If you still support the death penalty for the Bali Nine, you need to see these pictures.

The portrait, depicting Widodo looking off into the distance, is inscribed with one poignant message to the President: “People can change.”

Sukumaran has thrown himself into painting over his 10-year long imprisonment in Kerobokan prison.

The piece was completed on January 23, and is titled ‘Jokowi’ — the Indonesian President’s nickname.

Prior to his transfer to Execution Island, Sukumaran was running painting classes for other inmates in Kerobokan prison.

Australian artist Ben Quilty, who has acted as a mentor to Sukumaran, has previously praised his student’s abilities.

Ben Quilty’s portrait of Myuran Sukumaran. Image: Facebook.

 

Myuran Sukumaran is currently held in Nusakambangan prison, where he awaits execution by firing squad along with fellow Bali Nine inmate, Andrew Chan.
Do you support clemency for the Bali Nine pair?