Budi Agung Kuswara: Art’s Real Values in Perspective
Art plays distinctive and irreplaceable roles within the development of a healthy society. Art offers us opportunities to be inspired, become more educated and aware, as well as to observe the thoughts and feelings of our fellow man. The best contemporary art is essential to our well being, having something important to say about the
liina klauss’ 5000 Lost Soles: Turning Ocean Rubbish into Art
Artist liina klauss, together with Potato Head Beach Club Bali, created a visually stunning installation name ‘5000 soles’ from rubbish that washed up on Seminyak Beach. Their goal, raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution through art. One hot, global topic at the moment is ocean plastic pollution; from local organisations right up to the United
The Titian Prize: Recogising Extraordinary Balinese Artistic Talent
The Bali art infrastructure is undergoing important transformation. This renewal is a timely, yet a long and unique process, the intended outcome, however, will be a sustainable art eco system on the island. The benefactors will be new buyers, seasoned collectors, art lovers, the curious, and of course the artists themselves. The Bali art infrastructure
Dipping in the Kool Aid: Bali Prison Inmates Show Artistic Talents
What is the value of human life? How does our society appraise personal endeavour, imagination and creativity when the priority of doctors and medical staff in hospitals is the preservation of life? Governments and penal systems assess prisoners as having little to contribute to community, some electing to terminate the lives of ‘serious offenders’ through
Windee Winata: Focusing on the Mysterious
Bali is an extraordinary visual experience, equalled by few other locations on earth. From the spectacular, shimmering landscapes, to the architectural and sculpturally magnificent structures and monuments, the grandeur of festivals and ceremonies, and the grace of the Balinese. It is vibrant and rich in photogenic subjects that incite wonder and euphoria that continually seduces
Bali’s Citra Sasmita: In The Spotlight of Indonesian Contemporary Art
The most significant display of contemporary art on the island during 2015 featured many of Bali’s finest artists exhibiting side-by-side with emerging talent. Violent Bali – Bali Art Intervention #1, opened at the Tony Raka Art Gallery, Ubud in November presenting eighty-five works raising issues such as identity, gender and cultural conflicts, and the New
Why Are All Balinese Artists?
It is a truism to say that all Balinese are artists. Even though many are just villagers, it is a fact that almost all can carve, paint and play music. There are explanations to it. Most go back to the psychology days of anthropology, before World War Two. Such anthropology is criticised nowadays, but for
Urban Canvas: Bali Street Art Makes a Statement
Street art and mural paintings are mushrooming, and have become one of the biggest attractions on the island’s south. We sat down with a Denpasar-based, famed street artist, visited the capital’s art institution, and snapped some of the island’s most staggering mural paintings. the street artist As his stage name suggests, Slinat (short for “silly
Through the Eyes of Balinese Painters
There’s a reason why Bali has so many art shops and galleries; the island is home to countless, exceptionally skillful artists, including remarkable painters. From the complex traditional canvasses capturing the island’s unique culture to the contemporary themes and styles, plenty of the highly collectible paintings created by Balinese painters have gone to international exhibitions
Dancing with the Bulls
In Jembrana Regency, with a history of migrating Madurese fishermen to the area over the centuries, an assimilation of tradition occurred. These fishermen introduced their unique Madurese boat designs to the area, which can be seen anchored at the bay of Perancak Village. The Madurese introduced their famous bull races to Bali too. In Bali,
The Bird King
The strong connection of traditions between Java and Bali began thousands of years ago, tied with the movement of the people of the Majapahit Kingdom migrating from Java to Bali. Certain beliefs, customs and even bedtime stories on the island originated from ancient Javanese cultures, which existed long before Islamic teachings arrived. Folktales passed on
Behind Closed Doors of Top Balinese Artist Studios
Personally, I’m always captivated by the topic of Balinese painters and their palettes. From the first time I visited a painter’s studio years ago, I have been floored by the variety of materials these artists use, and have also been seduced by the allure of their creative spaces. To me, looking into an artist’s studio
Jean Couteau – Our Very Own Historian
It was early 2009 when I first met Jean Couteau at an editorial meeting. The Frenchman, who speaks Bahasa Indonesia fluently, arrived in white trousers and a long sleeved white shirt. He spoke extensively about Balinese traditions and cultures and how we should raise awareness of this rather than always the island’s sun, sea and
