Category: Indonesian Modern Art

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

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

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

‘BALINESE MASTERS’ exhibition presents significant insights into the development of Balinese painting

by Richard Horstman

                           Essence of Void, 2019 – Wayan Sika Balinese Masters: Aesthetic DNA Trajectories of Balinese Visual Art, an ongoing presentation in Bali of installations, paintings, sculptures, drawings and objects by thirty-four Balinese artists and communities has opened to the delight, as well as the scrutiny of many in the Bali and Indonesian art worlds. The … Continue reading ‘BALINESE MASTERS’ exhibition presents significant insights into the development of Balinese painting

the curious worlds of Balinese painter Galung Wiratmaja

by Richard Horstman

                             Tari  Persembahan, 2019 – Galung Wiratmaja Intrigue and mystery are powerful psychological elements when effectively utilized within a painting. The ability to make subtle suggestions in a composition that inspire curiosity and ignite the observer’s imagination reflects a painter who is in full control of his canvas. Colour and form are the potent … Continue reading the curious worlds of Balinese painter Galung Wiratmaja

TANDA SERU! exhibition in Bali makes a bold artistic statement

by Richard Horstman

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

Celebrating Indonesian Modern Art: the Painting Collection of the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Indonesia – Senandang Ibu Pertiwi

by Richard Horstman

                         The National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta The 2016 inaugural presentation of the Painting Collection of the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Indonesia, 17/71, Goresan Juang Kemerdekaan (The Brushstrokes of the Independence Struggle),  2-30 August at the National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta, highlighted the relevance of art and culture to the nation. Officially opened … Continue reading Celebrating Indonesian Modern Art: the Painting Collection of the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Indonesia – Senandang Ibu Pertiwi

Nyoman Gunarsa (1944 – 2017) a pioneering Balinese art modernist

by Richard Horstman

             RIP Nyoman Gunarsa – One of Bali’s pioneering modern artist With the recent passing of Balinese artist Nyoman Gunarsa on the 10th September 2017 an important chapter of Balinese art comes to a close. His legacy as an artist, art lecturer, art collective leader and museum owner, however, will be long lasting. Born in … Continue reading Nyoman Gunarsa (1944 – 2017) a pioneering Balinese art modernist

Made Djirna – soul mining

by Richard Horstman

                     Installation by Made Djirna at his Ubud studio, 2017 Exploring Balinese artist Made Djirna’s cavernous studio conjures up notions of a journey into a mysterious inner sanctum that is vibrant and fascinating, yet is equally as powerful and confronting. A collector of all manner of cultural artifacts, naturally formed shapes and unusual objects, which … Continue reading Made Djirna – soul mining