Arts & Artists

Beautifularts

With the arrival of European artists in the beginning of the 20th century, this soon began to change. Local artists started to develop their own individual styles.

PAINTING Until the start of the 20th century, the dominant form of painting was the portrayal of Hindu epics by painters and illustrators called ‘Sangging’. Aside from making large representational paintings, the ‘Sangging’ were expected to decorate everything from gourds, wooden altars, bamboo vessels, headboards for princely bed chambers and, in particular, they were expected to illustrate astrological wall hangings on bark paper or cloth. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that western influences reached Bali. The use of Asian symbols in the works of, among others, Paul Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec and Camille Pissaro, created a new trend for Asian-influenced art and for European painters to move to Bali. Ubud’s fame regarding art can be traced to the arrival of the German painter Walter Spies and the Dutch Rudolf Bonnet. There is a much wider range of artistic styles today. Ubud Style Influenced by the western use of perspective and everyday-life subject matter, the Ubud style is one of the most ‘expressionistic’ of all Bali’s schools. Despite this, Ubud’s art still retains many traditional features, including attention to detail and stylized characters. Batuan Style Strongly wayang based (puppet). This style involves hundreds of intricately painted representations of Balinese life, filling every available nook and cranny of the canvas. Keliki Style Keliki paintings measure 20cm by 15cm. They contain scenes of mythical and Ramayanic characters engaged in battle, good versus evil, on sinister Pengosekan Style From this village, on the outskirts of Ubud, a new style sprang up during the 1960s. It concentrated on just a few natural components, such as birds, insects, butterflies and plants. STONE CA RVING Stone carvings were mainly used to decorate temples and palaces. There is little difference between the iconography decorating temples and that of private build ings. Gateways represent the dividing line between the inner and outer worlds and as such are the recipients of some of the most fantastic carvings. Bali’s modernday centre of stone carving is the village of Batubulan, situated halfway between the towns of Denpasar and Ubud. TEXTI LES One of the most striking things about Bali is the rich variety of cloths and materials that are to be seen in thousands of shops throughout the island. However, only a small proportion of these are indigenous to Bali. The myriad of batik clothes and sarongs available everywhere, are mainly imported from Java. Bali does have a very rich textile industry of its own. The beautiful Songket fabrics, worn by perform ers of traditional dances, are a good example. In Songket gold and silver threads are woven into the cloth to create complex motifs of birds, butterflies and flowers. Endek, or weft ikat, is another common method used in Bali. In weft ikat weaving, the weft threads are dyed to create the design and are then woven with plain warp threads. The least common form of weaving to be seen in Bali is the Geringsing, or double-ikat, and it is perhaps the most sought after.In Geringsing both the warp and weft threads are dyed to their final designs before being woven together. With the exception of certain areas in India and Japan, this weaving technique can only be found in the small Bali Aga village of Tenganan, East Bali.

WOOD CA RVING S Wood and stone carvings have traditionally been featured largely in temple and palace architecture. Immaculately carved demons and mythical beings decorate pillars, door panels, lintels and window shutters with the object of protecting the buildings from evil intruders. Scenes of legendary figures placed within a floral décor, set a more pleasant and educational tone. With the arrival of European influences, wood carving started to develop a long more innovative and commercial lines. Today, whole villages specialise in producing certain styles of work. The village of Mas, near Ubud, is the best known for its carvings of female figures, Buddhas, characters from Hindu epics, the traditional topeng (mask) and Wayang Wong masks.

DANC E & DRAMA Dance and drama have played a historically important role in Balinese society. Through this medium, people learned about the tales of the Ramayana, Mahabarata and of other epic stories from Balinese history. The following are brief descriptions of some of the more well-known dance-dramas that can be seen at regular performances throughout Bali. Baris - This is a warrior’s dance. It is usually performed by men, either solo or in a group of five or more. Barong & Rangda - This is a story about the struggle between good and evil. Good is personified by the Barong Keket, a strange but funloving creature in the shape of a shaggy semi-lion. Evil is represented by Rangda, a witch. Kecak - The most famous of the Balinese dances, originated from the Sanghyang dance choirs, holds its uniqueness in the entrancing ‘Kecak, kecak’ chant. The Kecak as a dance developed in the 1930s, in the village of Bona, where it is still performed regularly. Legong - This dance tells a story of princess Rangkesari being held captive by King Lakesmi. Rangkesari’s brother, prince Daha, gathers an army to rescue his sister. The Legong is a very classical and graceful dance, always performed by prepubescent girls, who can be as young as eight or nine years old.

Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet) - Wayang Kulit is one of the great storytelling traditions of the Javanese and Balinese people. The wayang show usually consists of a small four-piece orchestra, which provides the musical accompaniment, around sixty ‘puppets’, carved out of flat pieces of water buffalo hide, and the dalang or puppet-master. The good characters speak in ancient ‘Kawi’, whereas the evil or coarse ones speak Balinese. The Bali Agung Show The Bali Agung Show at the Bali Safari and Marine Park is an inspiring cultural performance dedicated to the entertainment of both local and international audiences. This spectacular show celebrated its 1500th performance on Jan 19, 2016. With regular scheduled performances over the past five years, the colossal and spectacular Bali Agung Show is arguably the longest-running theatrical production in Indonesia’s theatrical history. Jalan Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra Km 19.8, Gianyar Bali | Ph: +62 361 950000 | marketing@balisafarimarinepark.com

Devdan Show Devdan’s “Treasure of the Archipelago” at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is a 90-minute show that takes you on a tour of the Indonesian archipelago with impressive acrobatics, effects and traditional dances. Performed 4 times a week every week.www.devdanshow.com. Calonarang The Calonarang dance tells the tale of a widow queen, Walunateng Dirah from Girah village who possessed the ability to conduct powerful black magic. Her powers were said to be stronger than the King Erlangga’s, causing fear among all that nobody would dare to ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage. The widow, furious, placed a curse on the entire land and people began to die without reason, which caused a state-wide war. The King then sought the help of a Priest, Mpu Bharadah, who defeated Calonarang with his white magic.

Ramayana The Ramayana dance tells the epic love story of Rama and Sita whose love was too strong to be torn apart. Expect exciting scenes of treachery among the royal family, lost-in-the-jungle scenes, kidnappings, brave rescue missions by Hanoman the Monkey King, and a romantic ending where Rama is forever reunited with his love, Sita.

Jimbaran Ganesha Gallery Four Seasons Jimbaran T. +62361 701010 Open daily*: 9am -6pm Museum & Galleries

Jenggala Keramik Jl. Uluwatu No.2, Jimbaran TT. +62361 703311 Open daily*: 8am - 6pm

Seminyak Biasa Gallery Jl. Seminyak No.34, Seminyak T. +62361 8475766 Open Mon – Sat*: 10am - 9pm

Kendra Gallery Jl Drupadi No.88B, Seminyak T. +62361 736628 Open daily*: 10am - 6pm

MÉTI S Gallery & Boutiques Jl. Petitenget no.6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Bali 80361 +62 361 4737 888 Open Mon-Sat: 11am - 11pm, Sun: 6pm-11pm

Ubud Hansen Art Gallery Jl. Raya Sanggingan Ubud T. +62361 970072 Open daily: 9am - 6pm

Neka Museum Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud T. +62361 975074 Open daily*: 8am - 5pm

Puri Lukisan Museum Jl. Raya Ubud T. +62361 975136 Open daily*: 8am - 4pm

Gaya Fusion Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud T. +62361 979253 Open daily: 9.30am - 11pm

Arma Museum Jl. Raya Pangosekan Ubud T. +62361 974228 Open daily: 9am - 6pm

Blanco Museum Jl. Raya Campuan Ubud T. +62361 975502 Open daily: 9am - 5pm

Rudana Museum Jl. Cok Rai Pudak No.44 Peliatan T. +62361 975779 Open daily: 9am - 5pm Genta Gallery Jl Lodtunduh No.1 Ubud T. +62361 978272 Open daily: 9am - 5pm

Seniwati Gallery Jl.Sriwidari No.2B Ubud T. +62361 975485 Open daily: 10am - 5pm

Sika Gallery Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud T. +62361 975084 Open daily: 9am - 5pm

Tonyraka Gallery Jl. Raya Mas No.86 Ubud T. +623617916606 Open daily: 9am - 5pm

Denpasar Danes Art Veranda Jl. Hayam Wuruk 159 Denpasar T. +62361 242659 Open daily: 10am -6pm

Bali Museum Jl. Let. Kol. Wisnu, Denpasar T. +62361 235059 Open Tue – Sun: 8am - 3pm

Bali Art Center Jl. Nusa Indah No.1 Denpasar T. +62361 227176 Open daily: 8am - 3pm

Bali Bintang Gallery Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 19 Pesanggaran T. +62361 724368 Open daily: 9am - 6pm

Museum Lukisan Sidik Jari Jl. Hayam Wuruk 175, Tanjung Bungkak, Denpasar T. +62361 235115 Open daily: 9am - 4pm

Klungkung Museum Seni Lukis Klasik Bali Banjar Angkan Klungkung Bali T. +62361 0366—22255 Open daily: 9am - 5pm

Nusa Dua Pasifika Museum Kawasan Pariwisata, BTDC Blok P T. +62361 774935 F. +62361 774559 Open daily: 10am - 5pm

Sanur Le Mayeur Museum Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur T. +62361 286201 Open Sat-Thu: 8am - 4pm Fridays: 8am - 1.30pm

#1 Eco-Friendly Ogoh-Ogoh Festival 2020 at GWK Cultural Park

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is more than just a cultural park. This world-renowned venue also acts as a window of the world into Bali and Indonesia. It is seen as a gateway for visitors, a one-stop destination for those who wish to learn and immerse oneself in the cultures and traditions of both Bali and Indonesia. In its efforts to showcase both the island and the country in its entirety, GWK Cultural Park continues to strive to present interesting cultural and artistic events to support the preservation and development of cultural arts in Indonesia and Bali in particular.

In March and April this year, GWK Cultural Park will showcase one of the island’s most interesting events; the #1 Eco-Friendly Ogoh-Ogoh Festival 2020. GWK is collaborating with one of the initiators of the Eco-Friendly Ogoh-Ogoh movement here in Bali; Putu Marmar Herayukti for the festival which will be held from March 20 to April 5, 2020. The vision of this event is very closely related to the concept behind the Garuda Wisnu Kencana, which is also seen as the saviour of the environment and the world.

The #1 Eco-Friendly Ogoh-Ogoh Festival 2020 will be held alongside a series of activities including the Ogoh-Ogoh Mini Race which will feature participants from all over Bali. There will also be a Demo and Workshop for the Making of the Eco-Friendly Ogoh-Ogoh which will be open to visitors.

A large eco-friendly Ogoh-Ogoh which stands at the height of 6 feet will also be displayed at the park throughout the duration of the festival. The highlight of the #1 Eco-Friendly Ogoh-Ogoh Festival 2020 at GWK Cultural Park will take place on April 4, 2020 with a spectacular folk-culture presentation called “Bhakti Tejaning Pertiwi” which tells the story of human service to the motherland in the form of collaborative dance, music and theatrical art performed by 1000 artists. Tickets for “Bhakti Tejaning Pertiwi” are available now at a special price of IDR 62,500 / person via www.gwkbali.com/ogohogoh2020. For more information, please contact +62-361-700808 or send an email to info@gwkbali.com. GWK Cultural Park is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. It sprawls across 60 hectares and is home to the impressive GWK Statue – the Hindu God Wisnu who sits atop his mount, the mythical eagle, Garuda. The park provides a tantalizing glimpse into Bali’s fascinating heritage through intriguing cultural performances, legendary folklore tales, immense sculptures, and dramatic cinematic presentation. Enjoy panoramic island views as you explore the park on foot or by Segway. Indulge in Indonesian heritage cuisine, immerse yourself in a land steeped in mythology or plan your next big event in one of GWK’s epic venues such as Plaza Wisnu, the Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater, Indraloka Park, Tirta Amertha and so on.

GWK Cultural Park Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Bali Ph: +62 (361) 700 808 info@gwkbali.com | www.gwkbali.com

Barong & Rangda Dance

Calonarang Dance

Gambuh Dance

Kecak Dance Kecak Dance

Kecak Dance • Batubulan

Everyday 9.30am

• Puri Saren, Ubud • Catur Eka Budi, Kesiman, Dps • Mawang, Ubud • Banjar Kalah • Peliatan • Pura Desa Batuan, Batuan • Garuda Wisnu Kencana • Padang Tegal, Ubud

Fridays 7.00pm Everyday 9.30am

Thurs; Sat 7.00pm

1st & 15th of each month 7.00pm Everyday 6.30pm

Sun; Wed 7.00pm

• Puri Luhur, Uluwatu

Everyday 6.00pm

Legong Dance

Mahabrata Dance Ramayana Ballet

Sanghyang Jaran Dance

Topeng Dance

Wayang Kulit

Bali Agung Show Cultural Wonders Of The Royal Pejeng Performance • Banjar Junjungan, Ubud • ARMA Open Stage, Ubud • Nusa Dua Beach

Hotel & Spa, Budaya Cultural Theatre • Puri Saren, Ubud • Peliatan Village • Pura Dalem, Ubud • ARMA Open Stage, Ubud • Teges Village, Ubud

Mondays 7.00pm

New & Full Moons 7.00pm Wednesdays 8.00pm

Mon ; Sat 7.30pm Fridays 7.30pm Saturdays 7.30pm Sundays 7.30pm

Thursdays 7.30pm

• Budaya Cultural Theatre (Nusa Dua Beach Hotel) • Bona Village

• Batubulan • ARMA Open Stage, Ubud • Oka Kartini’s, Ubud • Kertha

Accommodation, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud • Bali Safari Marine Park • Puri Agung Soma Negara Pejeng Mondays 7.00pm

Sun; Mon; Fri 7.00pm

Everyday 6.30pm Wednesdays 7.00pm

Sun; Wed 8.00pm Tue; Sat 8.00pm

Everyday, except Mon Every Full Moon 2.30pm

8.00pm