Category: Balinese Modern 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

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

Art in a time of crisis: 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 modern 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 … Continue reading Art in a time of crisis: Lee Man Fong’s ‘Bali Life’ invites reflection

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

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

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

Previewing Larasati’s February 2020 ‘Traditional, Modern & Contemporary Art’ Auction in Ubud, Bali

by Richard Horstman

Larasati Auctioneers of Jakarta in 2020 conduct their fourteenth consecutive year of presenting high-quality Balinese art for sale to the international market through its Ubud auctions. The upcoming 8 February sale ‘Traditional, Modern and Contemporary Art’ at the Larasati Art Space at Tebesaya Gallery features eighty-one lots in an array of painting styles. Good buys … Continue reading Previewing Larasati’s February 2020 ‘Traditional, Modern & Contemporary Art’ Auction in Ubud, Bali

Balinese artist Nyoman Wirdana’s spectacular kaleidoscope of colour and joy

by Richard Horstman

Sophisticated, meticulous, vibrant and gorgeous – Balinese artist I Nyoman Wirdana’s paintings are a celebration of colour and joy. Within the sphere of Balinese painting, he has forged a distinct path with an artistic ‘voice’ that is immediately recognisable as his own. His pictures recount the mythical and mystical, drawing inspiration from the cosmos and … Continue reading Balinese artist Nyoman Wirdana’s spectacular kaleidoscope of colour and joy