DEVFTO: Indonesia’s First Printmaking Institute Opens in Ubud
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’: Aditya Parama’s NFT Artwork Describes a Dystopian Bali Future
‘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
The Changing Relationship Between the Balinese and their Environment
Journalist Eric Buvelot and socio-ethnologist Jean Couteau have recorded 20 hours of discussion about changes that have happened in Bali since the 70’s. The conversation was structured and segmented according to many different aspects of Balinese life, mostly from a socio-historical perspective, to trace all the overturning in Balinese mores since 50 years, when modernity
Titik Dua, Ubud’s Creative Boutique Hotel Helps to Redefine Bali Tourism
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
Expatriate Artist Izzy Ivy’s Delightful Visionary Paintings Mediate Between the Worlds
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
Sastia Naresvari: Sharing the Relevance of Art via Live Painting
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
Explaining Bali’s Subak System (and Why Rice Fields are Cultural Landscapes)
In this episode of the NOW! Bali Podcast we help to unpack the complex subak irrigation system found in Bali. This system is far more than just an agricultural feature, it is a socio-cultural organisation that not only helps to ensure fertility of Bali’s rice fields but creates a connection between God, people and nature.
French Graffiti Artist Cyril Kongo Opens Studio Atop The Apurva Kempinski Bali
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,
Cakravala: A New Cultural Platform Elevating Emerging Indonesian Artists
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 –
How Balinese Creatives Responded to the Cancelled Ogoh-Ogoh Parades
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
Paksi Ireng : A Balinese Artist’s Philosophy on Nature, Disaster and Human Perspective
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
Hujan Memedi : The Demon of Bali’s Sun Showers
Have you ever wondered how it can rain when the sun is shining? Whilst science has its explanations, Balinese folklore has its very own colourful story behind this phenomenon. We all have heard some strange answers as to why it happens. One popular saying, with southern United States origins, indicates the devil is ‘kissing his
Made Valasara’s Artistic Exploration of Material Potential
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
