Category: Batuan Paintings

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

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

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

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

Bridging traditions with the now through local and cross-cultural activities: Bentara Budaya Bali

by Richard Horstman

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

I Putu Adi – emerging Balinese talent from the village of Keliki

by Richard Horstman

.    ‘Gempa Bumi’ 2015  –  Putu Adi Acrylic & ink on Paper, 33 x 18.5 cm  Bali is a dynamic, ever-changing environment where the past and present intersect, and the East and West collide. Art and cultural expressions, the foundations of the island’s first tourism boom 1930 -1942, continue to evolve. Over recent decades … Continue reading I Putu Adi – emerging Balinese talent from the village of Keliki

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

Overview of the Bali art infrastructure 2019

by Richard Horstman

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

Previewing Larasati’s Upcoming 12 October 2019 Bali Sale

by Richard Horstman

Lot # 791 ‘Bayu Satu Duta’ – Tjokorda Oka Gambir (1902 – 1975 Peliatan) Natural pigments on cloth, 162.5 x 150 cm For the first time in its thirteen-year history, Larasati Auctioneers will conduct their third art auction in Ubud within the year. This is a positive sign indicating a growing market for Balinese art. … Continue reading Previewing Larasati’s Upcoming 12 October 2019 Bali Sale

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