Socrates (469–399 B.C.E.), the ancient Greek philosopher, famously declared, “Know thyself”.  Carved into stone at the entrance to Apollo’s temple at Delphi, the inscription has encouraged people throughout the ages to engage in a search for self-understanding. Emerging Balinese artist Ida Ayu Komang Sartika Dewi’s creative practice strips away the invisible layers of her being

A new era in Indonesian printmaking began in September 2021 with the opening of the DEVFTO Printmaking Institute at the Sika Gallery in Ubud. Established by Indonesia’s leading art printmaker Devy Ferdianto with over 30 years of experience, the knowledge of the techniques and materials is highly specific and varied. DEVFTO represents an exciting development

‘Neo Denpasar’ is an NFT animation artwork describing the Denpasar market in the year 2077. In the futuristic nighttime scenario, the only cultural reference is emerging Balinese digital artist Aditya Parama, ‘Pan Edgy Babi Guling’, a suckling pig warung. Staffed by robots, the warung is patronised by humans with gleaming chrome skin. Drones fly throughout

A unique, relatively new, landmark in Ubud, Titik Dua, is sited back from the Mas village thoroughfare, behind two buildings distinguished by Balinese architecture. An extraordinary aspect of this boutique hotel is the “runway” suspended fifteen meters above the ground, seemingly to capture the rays of the morning sun. The hotel lobby entry is one

Since prehistoric man’s quest for greater knowledge through inscribing symbols on cave walls, artists have undertaken a vital responsibility within society as intermediaries between the upper and lower worlds. They translate the esoteric into decipherable, visual languages to help explain the mysteries of life and how to navigate the often hostile, forces of nature.  Every

The increasing presence of women artists on the Bali contemporary art scene introduces fresh, feminine vigour into a sphere that was once primarily patriarchal. Balinese, Indonesian and foreign expatriate female artists are a rising creative force. They are regularly exhibiting in Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran and Ubud.  Emerging Indonesian artist Sastia Naresvari is an abstract expressionistic

It seems that Bali’s allure continues to attract artists from around the world. From the time of Walter Spies (arrived 1927) to Antonio Blanco (arrived 1952) and onwards, the island has continued to be a hive for foreign artists and creatives alike. This has been brought to a new level at The Apurva Kempinski Bali,

I am fascinated by the evolution of creativity within contemporary culture. We are living in exciting times and the pandemic has accelerated our positive human potential. I believe the artists and creatives lead the way. Their imagination, activities and questioning introduce society to new, functional experiential forms and technologies manifesting in a better world –

One of the most fantastic artistic attributes of the Balinese culture is the Ogoh-ogoh. Extraordinary papier-mâché and bamboo representations of external and inner demons manifest as frightening giant sculptures. Ogoh-ogoh are paraded through village crossroads across Bali during the Ngrupuk parade on the eve of Nyepi. A cleansing ceremony that ushers in the first day

Balinese artist and activist, Marmar Herayukti, shared his philosophy behind his re-introduced work ‘Paksi Ireng’, the Blackbird. An ogoh-ogoh statue that  asks its viewers to question their perspective on nature, natural disasters and how humans fit into the natural world. Man vs Nature The anthropocene. The age of humans, an (unofficial) epoch defined by humanity’s

One of the most enjoyable aspects of observing the Bali art scene is witnessing young artists’ creative development. To grow, budding artists must take risks and experiment. Some willingly embrace change, others less so. An artist’s career is about the journey, not the destination. There is no substitute for dedication, honesty and hard work. Contemporary

One of the many fascinating aspects of the Balinese culture is the recording of sacred knowledge onto miniature manuscripts known as the lontar. Characters scribed with a sharp instrument into dried palm leaves are then rubbed with hazelnut containing a black dye. The access is removed, revealing fine graphic lines upon the pale beige coloured