Category: Balinese Contemporary Art

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

by Richard Horstman

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

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

Innovations adopted during the pandemic to expand the Indonesian art market

by Richard Horstman

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

Balinese artist Putu Edy Asmara’s beautiful allegory of deception

by Richard Horstman

Balinese artist Putu Edy Asmara first came to my attention about twelve years ago in an exhibition of contemporary artworks in Ubud. The technical standard and ideas within the work set him apart from his peers. For then on I have observed his growth. During the past few years, he has been prolific, his work … Continue reading Balinese artist Putu Edy Asmara’s beautiful allegory of deception

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

‘Pandora Paradise’: a milestone in Balinese contemporary art

by Richard Horstman

Balinese contemporary artist, Ketut Putrayasa’s passion for public art, has evolved dramatically in recent years. It has led to the ‘Kuta Sunrise Art Project 2020 – 2021’ and his installation ‘Pandora Paradise’. Sited on the promenade at Point Zero of the Bali Province, Badung Square, Denpasar, the eye-catching structure is the first in a series … Continue reading ‘Pandora Paradise’: a milestone in 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

From photorealism to pop art – the technical prowess of Balinese painter Dodit Artawan

by Richard Horstman

Photorealism painting is a genre that demands extraordinary patience and skill. It involves the artist studying a photograph and then reproducing the image as realistically as possible in another medium, mostly in oil or acrylic paints. The style reached its plateau in popularity in the Indonesian contemporary art world about a decade ago; Balinese painter … Continue reading From photorealism to pop art – the technical prowess of Balinese painter Dodit Artawan

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

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