Category: Bali Art Spaces

English painter Bruce Sherratt: tropical surrealism & the power of the subconscious mind

by Richard Horstman

‘The Sacrament’, 2017 Bruce Sherratt. Pigment, cloth and oil on canvas. 300 x 200 cm Art, like the universe, is infinite. The perception and the processes of art-making may be as unique as the individual. Art ignites our senses as we interact with our inner and outer worlds. Nature’s power and beauty inform us through … Continue reading English painter Bruce Sherratt: tropical surrealism & the power of the subconscious mind

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

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

Balinese art visionary: Soemantri Widagdo

by Richard Horstman

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

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

Positive 2020 developments on the Bali art & cultural landscape

by Richard Horstman

Exciting additions to the Bali art and cultural infrastructure in Mas, Ubud: Bersama Alternative Space, Njana Tilem Museum, Black Hand Gang & Titik Dua. The unravelling of global socio-political and economic events defines 2020 as the most extraordinary in modern history. Meanwhile, Bali’s tourism sector is in crisis due to the closing of international borders … Continue reading Positive 2020 developments on the Bali art & cultural landscape

“Locked down” on the Paradise island Bali?

by Richard Horstman

When the Visa-on-Arrival into Bali was suspended 20 March at Denpasar airport, this confirmed how serious the Indonesian authorities considered the threat of Covid19 to health and safety of the island’s inhabitants. Seemingly, after weeks of speculation, they took severe measures which have destroyed the tourism economy and impacted on the Balinese, Indonesian and expatriate … Continue reading “Locked down” on the Paradise island Bali?

Remembering Balinese art maverick Wayan Sika (1949-2020)

by Richard Horstman

                                          I Wayan Sika (1949-2020) On Saturday 4 January 2020 at 11 pm Balinese artist I Wayan Sika lay down upon his bed at his home above his gallery, the Sika Contemporary Art Gallery in … Continue reading Remembering Balinese art maverick Wayan Sika (1949-2020)

Bridging traditions with the now through local and cross-cultural activities: Bentara Budaya Bali

by Richard Horstman

Bentara Budaya Bali Kelas Kreatif with leading Balinese architect Popo Danes Image courtesy of Bentara Budaya Bali Bali is a unique meeting point between tradition and modernity. One of its distinctions is its fascinating culture that is, however, under increasing pressure from outside influences and the Indonesian nation-state. Sited in Sukawati, on the main link … Continue reading Bridging traditions with the now through local and cross-cultural activities: Bentara Budaya Bali

Overview of the Bali art infrastructure 2019

by Richard Horstman

Overshadowed by the creative hubs of Java, Bandung, Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Bali is often disregarded by international art lovers and this may be due to the tourism-led commodification of art and culture.  However, in the past six years, there has been significant development in the fascinating and distinct Bali art infrastructure. Bali was not immune … Continue reading Overview of the Bali art infrastructure 2019