'Art became his religion': Sukumaran exhibition opens in Sydney

The first major exhibition of artwork by executed 'Bali nine' member Myuran Sukumaran is part of this year's Sydney Festival.

Portrait by Myuran Sukumaran Source: SBS

Almost two years since his execution, artwork by Bali nine member Myuran Sukumaran are on display in a major exhibition.

The works were painted while Mr Sukumaran was on death row in Bali's Kerobokan jail and during his final incarceration on Nusa Kambangan Island.

Myuran Sukumaran painting in Kerobokan prison.

The Art Centre's Director Michael Dagostino said the exhibition offers a vast and sobering series of work.

"It was a very strong series of works that were painted so it shows him in a very, very deep sense," Mr Dagostino said. 

"When people come and see this show they'll have a new understanding of Myuran and what he's achieved."

Sukumaran was among nine Australians arrested in Indonesia in 2005 on drug smuggling charges.

Portrait by Myuran Sukumaran.

Co-curator and close friend of Sukumaran, Ben Quilty, told SBS the Kerobokan inmate turned to art in the four years leading up to his death.

"Art was his thing, it's what he became in a sense, and he harnessed that visual language to talk to the world, to talk about his humanity," Mr Quilty said. 

"Myuran's studio was his refuge and art became his religion."

The exhibit showcases more than 100 artworks by Mr Sukumaran, including paintings of politicians, 'Bali nine' members and self-portraits.

Many of the paintings on display were completed in the last 72 hours of his life. 

"Up until literally the hour he was executed he was still working on paintings," Mr Quilty said.

His very last painting was of the Indonesian flag.

It hangs alone, with messages from inmates executed alongside Sukumaran inscribed on the back.

Myuran Sukumaran's final painting on display at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Sukumaran's paintings are displayed alongside work by seven other Australian artists.

The unique collection of work explores the power of art, the death penalty and human rights through the lens of social justice.

"The show's a really hopeful symbol of the strength of the human character, and particularly of Myuran - his bravery, his courage, and his intelligence," Mr Quilty said.

The Another Day in Paradise exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre is open to the public from January 13 - March 26.