The event is a contribution from the artists and the island’s art world to support one of the island’s most endangered species. The exhibition and auction will take place from May 11 through May 19.
The Balinese people were known as “turtle eaters and slaughterers”, which is untrue. In the past, the turtle trade had flourished in Bali, especially in the early 1990s when an estimated 27,000 to 30,000 turtles were caught, slaughtered and traded annually. At present, the turtle trade has already decreased by 90 percent from those numbers. Increasing awareness among local people has contributed to the decrease in the turtle trade and turtle smuggling. Currently, there are several vulnerable spots for illegal turtle trading, including in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, where turtles have not been fully protected and are abundant.
The coming proceeds from the exhibition and auction will go toward supporting various turtle conservation projects through the Save Our Turtle program. About 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the turtle project, while the remaining funds will be used to support other environmental programs, such as the mangrove rehabilitation. The Save Our Turtle program will also closely monitor turtle breeding to control the turtle population on the island. People, including tourists, often disturb the turtle habitats and breeding grounds by sunbathing and being active around those places. In Bali, turtles are among several rare animals previously used as part of religious rituals.
Some of the painters have already produced numerous works during the Nyepi holiday.