Rio Saren parts with convention to forge fresh directions in Balinese painting

‘Menata potongan kertas/Arranging paper cuttings’ 2021 – Rio Saren, mixed media on canvas, 190 x 250 cm. Artists are distinguished by their observation and awareness of the human experience and their ability to transform inspiration into engaging creative forms. During the past two decades, Rio Saren has experimented obsessively with colour, items and form, striving … Continue reading Rio Saren parts with convention to forge fresh directions in Balinese painting

Balinese art visionary: Soemantri Widagdo

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

“Locked down” on the Paradise island Bali?

When the Visa-on-Arrival into Bali was suspended 20 March at Denpasar airport, this confirmed how serious the Indonesian authorities considered the threat of Covid19 to health and safety of the island’s inhabitants. Seemingly, after weeks of speculation, they took severe measures which have destroyed the tourism economy and impacted on the Balinese, Indonesian and expatriate … Continue reading “Locked down” on the Paradise island Bali?

TiTian Art Foundation online exhibition supports Balinese marginalised by Covid19

Tiny eyes peer out from enigmatic, otherworldly creatures. Their contorted bodies, shimmering in colorful metallic hues, endowed with appendages that defy description. Fascinated, yet perplexed, I wonder what I am observing. Are these oddities types of oversized  micro-organisms that dwell deep inside of me, or aliens from a distant galaxy? I first discovered the fantastic … Continue reading TiTian Art Foundation online exhibition supports Balinese marginalised by Covid19

Overview of the Bali art infrastructure 2019

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

New guidebook highlights artistic & design events in Bali throughout October – December 2019

The first Bali Art+Design Guide X Bali Arts Road, a pocket guidebook that charts a plethora of events around the island, ranging over three months beginning in October, until the end of December 2019. The Balinese Pawukon calendar is not used to measure time; it encompasses smaller cycles within larger ones. Its purpose is to … Continue reading New guidebook highlights artistic & design events in Bali throughout October – December 2019

Wayan Jana: new directions in Balinese woodcarving

   Memory, 2019 – Wayan Jana in Encounter at TiTian Art Space, Ubud Balinese woodcarving has evolved during the past century with distinct stylistic developments marking its transition from the traditional genre to the modern and contemporary. Iconic figures Tjokot, Nyana, Tilem and Muja defined the landmark styles that have become the source of inspiration … Continue reading Wayan Jana: new directions in Balinese woodcarving

Sujendra’s fantastic & light-hearted depictions of the underworld

                         Senyummu Tangisku, 2018 – Made Sujendra In Klungkung, East Bali, the former capital of the island, stands Kerta Gosa. An 18th century mandala shaped pavilion within the royal palace built by the monarch Dewa Agung Gusti Sideman, it functioned until 1908 as the kingdom’s court of law and justice. Its ceilings are adorned with … Continue reading Sujendra’s fantastic & light-hearted depictions of the underworld

Investing in Balinese traditional art? Now is the right time.

                    National Struggle, 2016 – Pande I Made Dwi Artha Within the sphere of Indonesian art, Balinese traditional art is a small niche market. It has recently, however, witnessed positive developments, and this progression, both in its appreciation and valuation, is leading to increasing national and international popularity. The rapid evolution of information technology has … Continue reading Investing in Balinese traditional art? Now is the right time.

Recognizing extraordinary Balinese artistic talent: the 2018 TiTian Prize

                                       Beginning and End – Ketut Suwidiarta The Bali art infrastructure is undergoing important transformation. This renewal is a timely, yet long and unique process. The intended outcome, however, will be a sustainable art eco system on the island with the benefactors being new buyers, seasoned collectors, art lovers, the curious, and of course the … Continue reading Recognizing extraordinary Balinese artistic talent: the 2018 TiTian Prize