a window into art in Bali & Indonesia
‘Fantasy World of Mine’ 2021 – Dayu Sartika. Watercolour on paper. Bali’s distinct feminine energy is one of the foundations of the sacred and extraordinarily artistic traditional culture. Internationally revered for its potent and abundant lifeforce, a new generation of female Balinese and Indonesian creatives thrives on the island, increasingly independent and career orientated. Through … Continue reading Emerging women artists on Bali
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
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
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
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
‘Superfly’ 2020 – Ni Luh Vony Dewi by The Internet is empowering people and has democratised the art world. It has created a platform that supports a new and dynamic digital art world which functions side-by-side with the art world … Continue reading Meet Ni Luh Vony Dewi: a free Balinese spirit with a potent creative soul
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
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
Audience members engage with paintings “Portrait of the Other, #1 & #2” by Citra Sasmita during the opening of Tanda Seru! In 2017 a meeting of young Balinese women from various creative backgrounds, yet with similar visions, set out to create a cross-disciplinary platform to support and encourage women’s art activities and visual discourse. Their … Continue reading TANDA SERU! exhibition in Bali makes a bold artistic statement
Ruth Onduko The 2008 GFC (global final crisis) spelt disaster for the Bali art world. The Indonesian art market after a record boom went to bust with collector’s buying immediately slowing, galleries around the island closed, while others wound down their activities. The woes continued with a decrease in tourism and smaller holiday budgets … Continue reading Bali art world personalities: meet Ruth Onduko
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