Category: Abstract Painting

Rio Saren parts with convention to forge fresh directions in Balinese painting

by Richard Horstman

‘Menata potongan kertas/Arranging paper cuttings’ 2021 – Rio Saren, mixed media on canvas, 190 x 250 cm. Artists are distinguished by their observation and awareness of the human experience and their ability to transform inspiration into engaging creative forms. During the past two decades, Rio Saren has experimented obsessively with colour, items and form, striving … Continue reading Rio Saren parts with convention to forge fresh directions in Balinese painting

Swoofone: a glimpse into the future of contemporary Balinese art

by Richard Horstman

‘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

by Richard Horstman

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

by Richard Horstman

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

Fresh Directions in 3D Balinese Contemporary Art

by Richard Horstman

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

2020 Bali art scene overview

by Richard Horstman

Since November Bali’s southern regions have enjoyed a flow of domestic tourism. The streets of Ubud were transformed during the Christmas holiday period. From zero to something; the much-needed injection of funds into the economy is vital and provides a ray of hope. Let’s trust that 2021 is a brighter year, especially for those whose … Continue reading 2020 Bali art scene overview

Retrospective exhibition celebrates Indonesia & Australia cultural relations

by Richard Horstman

The popularity of art has risen during the COVID19 pandemic. Not only is art providing practical and therapuetical benefits to isolated people due to the lockdown measures, art is also creating opportunities to foster positive international cultural and political relations. The ‘Artists’ Camp Retrospective’, an exhibition of artworks and photographs made during two unique intercultural … Continue reading Retrospective exhibition celebrates Indonesia & Australia cultural relations

Balinese traditional practices fuse with contemporary ideas in Wayan Arnata’s beautiful fibrous artworks

by Richard Horstman

Balinese artist Wayan Arnata first came to my attention in June 2013 in the landmark exhibition ‘Irony in Paradise’ by the collective Sanggar Dewata Indonesia (SDI) at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) in Ubud, Bali.  ‘Nike Barong’ 2013, Arnata’s mixed media reflection upon the changing nature of the Balinese identity depicted the iconic … Continue reading Balinese traditional practices fuse with contemporary ideas in Wayan Arnata’s beautiful fibrous artworks

Bali MegaRupa: a new era in government sponsored art infrastructure development in Bali?

by Richard Horstman

Bali Deputy Governor Cokorda Ace addresses officials in front of a painting by Made Budhiana during the opening of Bali Megarupa at ARMA 10 November 2019. Image courtesy Bali Megarupa Bali Megarupa, a large-scale exhibition featuring one hundred and three modern and contemporary artist from throughout Bali, came to a close Sunday 10 November 2019. … Continue reading Bali MegaRupa: a new era in government sponsored art infrastructure development in Bali?

‘BALINESE MASTERS’ exhibition presents significant insights into the development of Balinese painting

by Richard Horstman

                           Essence of Void, 2019 – Wayan Sika Balinese Masters: Aesthetic DNA Trajectories of Balinese Visual Art, an ongoing presentation in Bali of installations, paintings, sculptures, drawings and objects by thirty-four Balinese artists and communities has opened to the delight, as well as the scrutiny of many in the Bali and Indonesian art worlds. The … Continue reading ‘BALINESE MASTERS’ exhibition presents significant insights into the development of Balinese painting