Swoofone: a glimpse into the future of contemporary Balinese art

‘The Book of Infinite Knowledge’ 2020 – Swoofone Mixed media on wood. 120 x 175cm. ‘The Island of the Gods’ is an incomparable sensuous experience. Mysterious and captivating, our perception encounters fascinating visual and non-visible layers. Bali’s thriving artistic landscape increasingly contributes an aesthetically potent and relevant dimension. One young artist has recently impacted the … Continue reading Swoofone: a glimpse into the future of contemporary Balinese art

Cakravala: a new Indonesian cultural portal with vast horizons

I am fascinated by the evolution of creativity within contemporary culture. We are living in exciting times and the pandemic has accelerated our 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 – a … Continue reading Cakravala: a new Indonesian cultural portal with vast horizons

Contemporary Balinese artist Made Valasara’s questioning & exploration of material potential

One of the most enjoyable aspects of observing the Bali art scene is witnessing young artists’ creative development. To grow, emerging 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 … Continue reading Contemporary Balinese artist Made Valasara’s questioning & exploration of material potential

Balinese art visionary: Soemantri Widagdo

Agent of change, entrepreneurial and Balinese art expert Soemantri Widagdo has over the past two decades had a significant influence upon the Bali art world. Volunteer curator and international liaison officer at Ubud’s Museum Puri Lukisan for twenty years, following this, in 2016 he established Yayasan TiTian Bali (TiTian Bali Foundation) in Ubud. A not … Continue reading Balinese art visionary: Soemantri Widagdo

Emerging Balinese artist Andre Yoga’s provocative mindscapes describe a nation in crisis

Contemporary artists role within society is especially vital during periods of social and political upheaval. Their sensitivity, observation skills, and diverse visual languages inform the public of critical issues demanding attention. ‘Revolution’ 2021, by emerging Balinese artist Andre Yoga, depicts an Islamic man in a shirt emblazoned with red hearts casually sitting atop of a … Continue reading Emerging Balinese artist Andre Yoga’s provocative mindscapes describe a nation in crisis

‘Neo Denpasar’: Balinese artist Aditya Parama’s NFT artwork describes a dystopian 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 patronized by humans with gleaming chrome skin. Drones fly throughout … Continue reading ‘Neo Denpasar’: Balinese artist Aditya Parama’s NFT artwork describes a dystopian future.

Know thyself: Balinese female painter Dayu Sartika’s inner journey through art

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. Balinese emerging artist Ida Ayu Komang Sartika Dewi’s creative practice strips away the invisible layers of her being … Continue reading Know thyself: Balinese female painter Dayu Sartika’s inner journey through art

Fresh Directions in 3D Balinese Contemporary Art

Some of the most significant historical developments in Balinese contemporary art find their roots, ironically not on the Island of the Gods, yet in Yogyakarta. During the 1970s, a group of pioneering art students, led by their Balinese teacher Nyoman Gunarsa (1944-2017) at the Academy of Seni Rupa Indonesia (ASRI), set Balinese art upon a … Continue reading Fresh Directions in 3D Balinese Contemporary Art

Innovations adopted during the pandemic to expand the Indonesian art market

The digital realm during the 2020 pandemic has proved to be the art world’s savior. While physical art events were restricted due to government coronavirus regulations, online innovations have enabled the art world to interact – with a myriad of new and positive outcomes.   A panel discussion in Yogyakarta on October 29, 2020 via … Continue reading Innovations adopted during the pandemic to expand the Indonesian art market

Art in a time of crisis: Lee Man Fong’s ‘Bali Life’ invites reflection

We are currently witnessing an escalation of human conflict, corruption, greed, neglect, war and global disasters. Art becomes increasingly vital in this modern era, when the apocalypse seems to be at our very doorstep. Art educates and inspires, and prompts our imagination to assess things and circumstances in a new and alternative light. Art can destroy barriers that divide people … Continue reading Art in a time of crisis: Lee Man Fong’s ‘Bali Life’ invites reflection