Category: Bali Landscape 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

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

Encouraging new creative initiatives in Bali

by Richard Horstman

During the past century, the Balinese people have graciously welcomed tourists onto the island and shared their unique culture. Rich in practical and philosophical wisdom, the Balinese culture offers a vibrant, attractive ‘alternative’ eastern lifestyle to western cultural practices. Art and culture were the original tourism drawcards, attracting the initial wave of tourists in the … Continue reading Encouraging new creative initiatives in Bali

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

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

by Richard Horstman

We are currently witnessing an escalation of human conflict, corruption, greed, neglect, war and global disasters. Art becomes increasingly vital in this 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 and … Continue reading Art in a time of crisis: Indonesian artist Lee Man Fong’s ‘Bali Life’ invites reflection

Larasati October 2019 auction report – Balinese art market analysis

by Richard Horstman

The market for Balinese paintings, often labelled ‘traditional’, is a small niche sector in comparison to the broader Indonesian modern and contemporary art market. While Indonesian collectors dominate it there is an upward trend of foreign buyers entering the market that is currently showing signs of growth. In 2006 Larasati Auctioneers of Jakarta opened up … Continue reading Larasati October 2019 auction report – Balinese art market analysis

Gede Gunada: exciting artistic talent from east Bali

by Richard Horstman

                                 2017 Painting by Gede Gunada Balinese contemporary artist Gede Gunada first came to my attention in 2012. He was among a group of four other local artists who participated in the Artists Camp in the Top End of Northern Territory (NT) of Australia during in the same year. The project’s … Continue reading Gede Gunada: exciting artistic talent from east Bali

Rare artworks go under the hammer in the July 2019 Larasati Bali auction

by Richard Horstman

                       Head of Ayu Ketut –  Miguel Covarrubias, lithograph The most exciting selection of traditional, modern and contemporary art works for more than a year highlight the second Larasati Bali auction for 2019. Ninety-two items will be offered in the upcoming 20 July, Larasati Traditional, Modern & Contemporary Art Auction to be held at the … Continue reading Rare artworks go under the hammer in the July 2019 Larasati Bali auction

Balinese art patronage – now & then

by Richard Horstman

                                          Balinese Kamasan Painiting Balinese painting has a rich and unique history dating back over 400 years. Originally the work of artisans from the East Javanese Majapahit Empire (13-16th Century), this special narrative style of painting expanded into Bali in 1343 when the Majapahit conquered Bali, introducing the Hindu culture, and institutions. The collapse of … Continue reading Balinese art patronage – now & then