In October 1971 John Lennon released his iconic pop anthem ‘Imagine’. Via the power of music and song he spoke directly to our hearts, inspiring us to imagine a peaceful world, where we all live as one.
‘Kijang Kencana’ – IB Putra Adynana
Mental and physical violence, perpetrated upon ourselves and/or others is the most counter productive, disturbing and misery inducing of all human traits. Violence is one of the most critical issues of the modern era and one that society must collectively address and find solutions for. Bali, perhaps like no other location is perfect for the exploration of this theme by its local artists, especially in light of it’s turbulent history, and the 50th anniversary of the 1965-66 mass killings of suspected communists by right wing parties supported the Indonesian military in Bali, and other parts the country.
“Torment” – Citra Sasmita
Sixty Indonesian artists, including one foreigner, all residents of Bali, focus upon the issue of violence in their paintings, installations, sculpture, photography and video in the exhibition ‘Violent Bali’ – Bali Art Intervention #1, which opened at the Tony Raka Art Gallery in Ubud 10 November.
“The theme is unusual, inconvenient, even disturbing. It is a self-critique of Bali, yet is challenging because it deals with a sensitive issue that confronts the popular image of Bali,” says exhibition curator Arif Prasetyo “Bali is internationally famous as a paradise island, yet it has its own dark side. Prevailing violence has been present throughout Bali’s history and many scholars have documented this. This tends to be hidden, however behind the beautiful image of Bali the government and the tourism industry promotes.”
Prasetyo continues, “To this day, violence lingers in Bali. Migrant issues, rivalries among political and religious elites, land conflicts, the struggle for economic resources, customary disputes and many more problems are fuel to burn in Bali at any moment.”
“Menulis Riwayat Hidup” – BSP Tatang
The exhibition is the first in the series of biannual events at the Tony Raka Art Gallery titled ‘Bali Art Intervention #1’, in which Bali will come under the microscope. Each participating artist presents one work (with the exception of one sculptor), and several works are created collectively by groups of artists. The theme has inspired many artists to search deeply and succeed in producing some of their strongest work to date, this is especially true with Made Mahendra Mangku, Edy Asmara, Ketut Suwidiarta, Kadek Agus Ardika, and IB Sindu Putra. With many strong works on exhibit it is difficult to mention works without, of course failing to include other artists who also deserve merit as well.
“Violent Bali” raises issues of identity, gender and cultural conflicts, the New Order regime and the mass killing of 1965-66, violence against sex workers, the environment, Bali’s modern development and the loss of traditional culture, and socially marginalized people, amongst others. Perhaps the most alarming violence is that inflicted upon innocent children. The three painters who pour their emotions into this topic achieving strong results are Dewa Gede Ratayoga, Aricadia and Achmad Pandi. Aricadia’s powerful composition “Punch Fun Punch”, in which the paintings fractured surface emphasizes the impact of violent blows upon a child, is at first very disturbing. Citra Sasmita, one of three exhibiting women, is a young talent on the rise. “Torment” is an intelligent painting in concept and composition, that is equally potent.
“Memory, Hidden History & Legacy of the New Order” – Made Bayak
Made Bayak’s mixed media installation “Memory, Hidden History & Legacy of the New Order” investigates events of the Suharto’s New Order Regime and features an installation focusing on the brainwashing of school children, a large painting, sketches and declassified documents on the pre coup activities of President Sukarno.
It is refreshing to see Dodit Artawan, a talented hyper-realism painter step out of his usual mode and adopt a more casual style resulting in a playful composition underlined by conflict and tension. A jagged broken bottle of Arak, and a blood soaked canvas, highlighting alcohol and violence is Mangu Putra’s contribution. Tatang BSP’s beautifully poetic and surreal composition “Menulis Riwayat Hidup” tells of disconnection and loss of identity. Gede Sayur’s “Last Defence #2” a symbolic installation based upon the loss of Bali’s traditional agrarian culture is excellent, improving upon his first incarnation of the work exhibited mid year. Bambang Adi Pronomo’s two sculptures are diverse and engaging. Wayan Wirawan’s installation “Everyday” featuring a cars front wind shield and functioning wipers clearing away blood is a strong and imaginative work. “Density I & II” is an enormous double panel diptych revealing excellent technique and concept by Agus Cahaya.
“Last Defence #2” – Gede Sayur
Photography by DP Arsa, Totok Parwata, Rudi Waisnawa, Yan Palapa’s “Foto Seri, Visum of Kus” exploring the issue of violence and female sex workers, and I B Putra Adnayana’s “Kijang Kencana” a black and white composition of duality, tension and impending danger are highlights. Other works worth mentioning are by Made Wianta “Dry Rain” and its thousands of falling metal needles and Sujana Suklu, Neo Pitamaha, Made Budiana and Alit Suja.
“Critically and openly questioning violence, “Violent Bali” is a cultural intervention that is expected to raise awareness of violence and contribute ideas in making a better and brighter Bali,” Prasetyo says. All of the participating artists must be commended for their contributions to the exhibition that is the strongest and most important collective showing of works in 2015. Tony Raka and staff, along with Prasetyo, too must be honored for their commitment, putting together a painstakingly large project that highlights a sensitive topic that must never stray far from the public forum of analysis and discussion.
In his introduction in the exhibition catalog Adrian Vickers, Professor of SE Asian Studies at the University of Sydney says, “Artists have been at the forefront of the Balinese community working to promote practices of peace, and to ask questions about the structures that promote violence. Such action is a part of the role of art in engaging sympathy and exploring the feelings and sense of the world that make us who we are.” He finishes with, “We all should be grateful for their continued efforts to engage our consciousness, especially at this time of the 50th anniversary of the mass killings.”
“Punch Fun Punch” – Aricadia
‘Violent Bali’ continues through 10 th December 2015
Tony Raka Art Gallery
Jl. Raya Mas No. 86 Mas, Ubud, Bali
Open daily: 10am – 6pm
Tel: +62 361 7816785
“Everyday” – Wayan Wirawan
“Senyum Itu Ibadah” – Ketut Suwidiarta
“Kekerasan Berasal Dari Pikiran Tetang Kekerasan” – Made Budiana
“Please Take My Head” – Kadek Agus Ardika
Words & Images: Richard Horstman
*Author’s note: No part of the written content of this website may be copied or reproduced in any form, including article links uploaded to other websites, for any commercial purposes without the written permission of the author. Copyright 2020
life as art asia 