Category: Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Art

‘Neo Denpasar’: Balinese artist Aditya Parama’s NFT artwork describes a dystopian future.

by Richard Horstman

‘Neo Denpasar’ is an NFT animation artwork describing the Denpasar market in the year 2077. In the futuristic nighttime scenario, the only cultural reference is emerging Balinese digital artist Aditya Parama, ‘Pan Edgy Babi Guling’, a suckling pig warung. Staffed by robots, the warung is patronized by humans with gleaming chrome skin. Drones fly throughout … Continue reading ‘Neo Denpasar’: Balinese artist Aditya Parama’s NFT artwork describes a dystopian future.

Know thyself: Balinese female painter Dayu Sartika’s inner journey through art

by Richard Horstman

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

Fresh Directions in 3D Balinese Contemporary Art

by Richard Horstman

Some of the most significant historical developments in Balinese contemporary art find their roots, ironically not on the Island of the Gods, yet in Yogyakarta. During the 1970s, a group of pioneering art students, led by their Balinese teacher Nyoman Gunarsa (1944-2017) at the Academy of Seni Rupa Indonesia (ASRI), set Balinese art upon a … Continue reading Fresh Directions in 3D Balinese Contemporary Art

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

Balinese artist Putu Edy Asmara’s beautiful allegory of deception

by Richard Horstman

Balinese artist Putu Edy Asmara first came to my attention about twelve years ago in an exhibition of contemporary artworks in Ubud. The technical standard and ideas within the work set him apart from his peers. For then on I have observed his growth. During the past few years, he has been prolific, his work … Continue reading Balinese artist Putu Edy Asmara’s beautiful allegory of deception

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

‘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

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

From photorealism to pop art – the technical prowess of Balinese painter Dodit Artawan

by Richard Horstman

Photorealism painting is a genre that demands extraordinary patience and skill. It involves the artist studying a photograph and then reproducing the image as realistically as possible in another medium, mostly in oil or acrylic paints. The style reached its plateau in popularity in the Indonesian contemporary art world about a decade ago; Balinese painter … Continue reading From photorealism to pop art – the technical prowess of Balinese painter Dodit Artawan