Category: Balinese Kamasan Painting

La Salaga: a legend of two cultures immortalized in the Balinese Kamasan painting style

by Richard Horstman

‘La Salaga’ 2021 – by Balinese Kamasan master painter Made Sesangka Image Richard Horstman The La Salaga legend from West Sulawesi is an epic that rivals the fantastic Hindu tales from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. This distinct tale merging a new Islamic religious culture of Sulawesi with the Hindu’s of south Bali is, unfortunately, … Continue reading La Salaga: a legend of two cultures immortalized in the Balinese Kamasan painting style

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

‘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

Investing in Balinese traditional art? Now is the right time.

by Richard Horstman

                    National Struggle, 2016 – Pande I Made Dwi Artha Within the sphere of Indonesian art, Balinese traditional art is a small niche market. It has recently, however, witnessed positive developments, and this progression, both in its appreciation and valuation, is leading to increasing national and international popularity. The rapid evolution of information technology has … Continue reading Investing in Balinese traditional art? Now is the right time.

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

Buying Balinese art at auction?

by Richard Horstman

Wayan Radjin – “Ramayana Membebaskan Dewi Sita” Image courtesy of Larasati Are you interested in Balinese art? Ever thought of buying at auction? Whether driven by your love of art, curiosity, or an eye for investment – buying at auction can be an interesting and exciting way to grow your collection. To the novice auctions … Continue reading Buying Balinese art at auction?

Recognizing extraordinary Balinese artistic talent: the 2018 TiTian Prize

by Richard Horstman

                                       Beginning and End – Ketut Suwidiarta The Bali art infrastructure is undergoing important transformation. This renewal is a timely, yet long and unique process. The intended outcome, however, will be a sustainable art eco system on the island with the benefactors being new buyers, seasoned collectors, art lovers, the curious, and of course the … Continue reading Recognizing extraordinary Balinese artistic talent: the 2018 TiTian Prize

TiTian Bali Foundation Gives Recognition & Heritage Awards to Balinese Artists

by Richard Horstman

The Nine Finalists of the TiTian Prize, (from left) Gede Suryawan, Wayan Aris Sarmanta, Wayan Malik, Mangku Muriati Mura, Ida Bagus Suryantara, Gede Sugiada, Made Sutama, Nyoman Arisana and Made Supena pictured with Triawan Munaf, Chairman of the Agency for Creative Economy Indonesia (center). During the first anniversary celebrations of Yayasan TiTian Bali, in Ubud, … Continue reading TiTian Bali Foundation Gives Recognition & Heritage Awards to Balinese Artists

In a class of his own: Indonesian sculptor Pintor Sirait

by Richard Horstman

                            Pintor Sirait at his Denpasar Studio Art is a compelling force that interacts with, and enhances our conscious and subconscious minds. Shamans, masters of primitive art created with intention works rich in symbolic meaning that communicated via the language of the soul. Knowledge of symbols, and how the subconscious ‘reads’ and responds to art … Continue reading In a class of his own: Indonesian sculptor Pintor Sirait

Balinese Kamasan Paintings

by Richard Horstman

“The Charming of Mandara Giri” 1605 Natural pigments on paper. Image courtesy of Museum Puri Lukisan Imagine you are a master Balinese painter, and your King has recently commissioned you to create a work. As you sit down in front of a large cloth stretched upon a wooden frame with a pencil in hand, for … Continue reading Balinese Kamasan Paintings