Category: Indonesian Art History

Igniting Balinese cultural memory via Afghan Box Camera images

by Richard Horstman

Black and white photographs are making a resurgence within the ocean of Bali imagery circulating in cyberspace. Compelling pictures of yesteryear, describing the people and landscape, ignite nostalgia. Foreigners often yearn for ‘real Bali’, the pre-colonial era when the island was without modern influences. There is, however, a growing sentiment within the Balinese seeking change … Continue reading Igniting Balinese cultural memory via Afghan Box Camera images

Images of Paradise and the Exploitation of Bali

by Richard Horstman

Temple image sourced from Tropenmuseum Mysterious images of a distant exotic island of the East Indies began circulating in Europe in 1920. During an era when Europe was reeling from the horrors of World War I and the fear of a communist revolution, the photos published in two volumes ‘Bali’, caused a minor sensation. They … Continue reading Images of Paradise and the Exploitation of Bali

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

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

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

‘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

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

Remembering Balinese art maverick Wayan Sika (1949-2020)

by Richard Horstman

                                          I Wayan Sika (1949-2020) On Saturday 4 January 2020 at 11 pm Balinese artist I Wayan Sika lay down upon his bed at his home above his gallery, the Sika Contemporary Art Gallery in … Continue reading Remembering Balinese art maverick Wayan Sika (1949-2020)

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