The Origin of Uluwatu and Why Fishermen Cannot Become Rich
Once upon a time there lived a man by the name of Kama Jaya in the village of Kelam, by the beach of Bali Dwipa, now better known as the island of the gods. Nature endowed him generously with wide, well-built shoulders and a good, strong chest. He sported a luxurious moustache and his seemingly
Otherness, Nationalism & Balinese Identity
The following is an excerpt from the book, “Bali, 50 Years of Changes” by author Eric Buvelot together with socio-ethnologist and renowned Bali expert Jean Couteau. The book is the result of 20 hours of discussion about changes that have happened in Bali since the 70’s. The conversation was structured and segmented according to many
Bija: Blessed Grains of Rice
Upon leaving the temple, grains of rice are often seen stuck to the forehead and necks of worshippers, both on women and men. This particular rice is called bija, and signifies being in a state of holiness. During worship ceremonies, Balinese Hindus not only receive tirta (holy water, referred to as nunas tirta), but also bija (referred
The Spice Islands of Indonesia: A Brief History Told Through Old Maps
Sake Santema, from Indies Gallery, showcases a collection of his antique maps featuring early depictions of the Spice Islands. These maps offer unique insight into how, back in the day, spices held a high value even comparable to gold. Spices have been a cornerstone of global commerce for thousands of years, shaping the course of
Bali Meets France: Fostering Cross-Cultural Exchange in Design
Bali is renowned for its rich traditional heritage and the exceptional creativity of its inhabitants. Its cultural icons blend nature’s offerings with human ingenuity, manifesting in sacred ritual implements, architecture, textiles, painting, sculpture and an array of implements for daily life. The island showcases human expression at the highest levels, with superb attention to detail,
Fallen Angels: Indonesia’s Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise, Cendrawasih in Bahasa Indonesia, holds a special place as a symbol of New Guinea and Indonesia, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat on the second largest island in the world. However, for centuries, these birds remained as mysterious as the prized spices
‘Repurposing: Paradise’ Exhibition A Social Commentary on the Current State of Bali Through Art
An aptly timed art exhibition is on display at the classic Ubud resort, Amandari. Created in collaboration with NONFRASA Gallery, ‘Repurposing: Paradise’ features curated pieces that question the island’s status as a ‘paradise’, presenting an artistic commentary on this long-held reputation. On display from 4 May to 30 June 2024, the exhibition features works by
SUN . CONTEMPORARY Gallery Opens in Pererenan
Opening its doors in Pererenan on 4 April 2024, the new SUN . CONTEMPORARY Gallery showcases an eclectic collection of works by established and emerging Indonesian and international artists. Set across two floors, the sleek gallery space is situated behind the popular Shelter restaurant, tucked away from the main road, allowing for a peaceful browse
Stigma Bali: Art Activism Collective Highlights Significant Social Issues
Social issues that impact upon and divide societies continue to receive increasing exposure from a new local contemporary art activism movement. A recent exhibition by the Stigma Bali collective, their third event since April 2023, was themed Discrimination. The exhibition closed at Joshua District, Kediri, Tabanan, on 4 May 2024. “Stigma is a collective exhibition
Kwangen: Bali’s Fragrant Offering
Balinese people are known for their meticulous attention to detail in their worship practices. There is a ceremony for so many aspects of life in Bali, and each ceremony will have very specific requirements. This is particularly true when it comes to certain rites and offerings, all must be executed with precision, all items present!
New Venues Highlight Ubud’s Evolving Art Infrastructure
Ubud’s art infrastructure continues to grow while distinguishing the area as Bali’s art and cultural heartland. Constantly progressing as new initiatives and the culmination of planning and hard work manifests into physical form, exciting new venues grant opportunities to the Balinese, Indonesian and foreign communities, not only economically but also by inspiring creativity and developing
MaSutasoma: A Balinese Theatre Performance of Epic Proportions Unfolds in Budakeling
An extraordinary event took place on 6 April 2024 in the village of Budakeling, the core village of the brahmana Buda of Bali: the performance, under the name of MaSutasoma, was a gambuh dance telling the Javanese story of Sutasoma, the most famous of the Javanese Boddhisatwas, which expounds the path toward Buddhist “Release” of the brahmana Budas
How Ubud Open Studios is Helping to Revive Art Tourism in Bali
NOW! Bali Magazine talks with Mila Shwaiko, co-founder and director of Elami & Co, the organisational team behind the Ubud Open Studios (UOS), to learn more about the visionary programme. Visual art is one of the original cultural icons that, during the first wave of tourism, between 1920 and 1942, helped position Bali on the
