Bali has for centuries been subject to many cultural
influences such as Indian, Chinese, Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese
and also western. The richness of creative arts and crafts is
the evidence of the melting culture and traditions.
For centuries, the royal courts of Bali have
expressed holy and chronological authority through art. At that
time, artists and craftsmen worked under the patronage of the
priests. The artists were unidentified and usually living around
artist community. The employ of simple gear and skills has been
handed down to the children from the family elders.
Following to the arrival of European artists
in the early 20th Century, a fresh method to art, especially painting
was introduced. During that moment, many western artists endorsed
art form and contributed materials to the local Balinese. Prior
to this, most Balinese arts were of religious objects and specially
made as a streamer for its numerous palaces and temples.
Paintings
The beauty and variety of Balinese paintings have gained the admiration
of the tourists. The island boasts major centers of dramatic art
such as Batuan, Ubud and Pengosekan. Kamasan, near Klungkung is
also the place identical with the traditional form of Balinese
paintings.
Previously, the portraits of classic Hindu epics
dominated the form of Balinese paintings. During that period,
the painting was made on langse or ider-ider. Langse is a wide
rectangular cloth, which is used to paint while ider-ider is much
narrower. Langse and ider-ider were used to decorate the temples.
Wooden boards were also material used to paint in the past.
In the early of 20th Century, western artists
contributed tremendous support for the fresh approach in painting.
With Ubud as the headquarter, Walter Spies and Rudolph Bonnet
promoted painting as an art appearance and donated materials to
the local Balinese, who began to paint naturalistic sights reflecting
Balinese daily activities and traditions.
Anticipating tourism's negative impact on the
quality of art, Ubud artists established the Pita Maha association
in 1930s. The association tried to make all artists aware of the
need to maintain artistic excellence and to exhibit work outside
of Bali.
There are some characteristics of Balinese paintings.
Kamasan, as one of the prime center of art, has its own style.
East Javanese wayang (puppet) art is reflected on most of the
paintings. Now, as the wayang tradition is kept alive, tourists
can still discover people who are dedicated to painting in the
customary wayang style. One of the pioneer in wayang tradition
preservation is I Nyoman Mandra, famous Kamasan artist. Other
prime center of art, Batuan, the artists, such as I Wayan Bendi,
Ni Wayan Warti and I Made Budi often describes a statement about
life in Bali, from traditional village activities to foreigners
in Bali. Prior to this generation, Batuan artist such as Ida Bagus
Made Togog and Ida Bagus Made Wija express their sense of art
through the portrayal of supernatural side of Bali.
Another style, Keliki, has a different type in
size. Keliki paintings are only 20 cm by 15 cm in size. Mythical
and characters from Ramayana epics dominate the scene of the style.
In the direction of Pengosekan, the paintings
are more realistic with natural creatures such as birds, insects
and plants featured. The Ubud style is even more expressive but
of course, the artists still retain traditional characters. Some
of famous Ubud artists are Anak Agung Gede Sobrat, Gusti Ketut
Kobot, Made Sukada, Ida Bagus Made and Dewa Putu Bedil.
In these villages, highly praised local artists
live and burgeon. One of the most famous Balinese artists is I
Gusti Nyoman Lempad (1862-1978), had an extensive range of talents
in many media, including painting, sculpture and architecture.
With his extraordinary talent, Lempad created masterpieces that
gained international recognition.
Even some well-established foreign artists have
chosen to make these centers their home. They include Antonio
Blanco, Arie Smit, Hans Snel, Le Mayeur and Walter Spice. The
existence of them influenced local artists in that area. The use
of flamboyant colors gave a more expressive nuance in the paintings
created by the next generation Balinese painters such as I Wayan
Pugur, I Ketut Tagen, I Nyoman Londo and Ketut Soki.
Stone Carving
Bali is a treasure throve of stone sculptures. The Balinese who
is also very skillful at sculpting and engraving stone, especially
the archetypal volcanic stone of the island, carry on the eternal
tradition of excellent craftsmanship using long-established iconography
passed on from one age group to the next.
Most of the temples in Bali, as well as the public
buildings, are made of fabulously sculpted stone. Sculpted stone
statues (normally sanctified metaphors of the Hindu spiritualities)
are used extensively to embellish section of adoration, but can
also be found along the lanes, on the angles, in the gardens and
in the Balinese homes.
The village of Batubulan is the center of stone
carving in Bali. While Celuk, is distinguished by homes and shops
producing silver and gold objects such as rings, bracelets, etc
lining the roadside.
Another famous village for its admirable metal
craft is Kamasan. Now, the village of Kamasan is still the midpoint
for Balinese courts arts, producing objects of silver and gold
for ritual practice.
Wood Carving
Bali maintains a unique tradition for its highly prized woodcarvings
by museums and international collectors. During the monetary crisis,
it has given a tremendous contribution to the economic sector.
The artistic production of woodcarvings is varied
from mythological and legendary carvings to carvings of natural
and biological creatures such as flowers, animals, etc. Balinese
woodcarvers are also famous for their creativity in producing
antique furniture. Western touch also plays a significant role
in the development of woodcarving in Bali, which is now more groundbreaking.
Ketut Nongos, I Nyoman Cokot and Ida Bagus Nyana are among famous
name of carvers in Bali.
In Bali, wood ornaments can be found in many
Bali's public buildings and houses. Scenes of mythical and legendary
characters decorate windows, door, and pillars as the objective
to prevent evil intruders.
Bali is famed for ornately decorated Topeng (mask),
carved soft wood masks painted and adorned with coconut fiber
and used in sacred temple ritual play. The village of Mas is best
known for its intricate woodcarvings and masks. One example of
artistic temple carving is Pura Puseh (Puseh Temple) in Batuan.
Textiles
Bali has a rich textile industry. Endek woven is recognized from
its abstract pattern and vivid shade. Many industrial units in
Gianyar carry out unofficial tours to observe the process in which
white threads are passed through a multifaceted dyeing process
into configurations of color.
Tenganan, a small village in the eastern part
of Bali is fame for its infrequent and sole woven, named Geringsing
(without sickness). Balinese considers geringsing, as sanctified
textiles and wears it in numerous main ritual ceremonies such
as tooth filing and cremation.
In Bali, many imported textiles from Sumatera,
Java, Sumba, Flores etc can be easily found around Kuta or Legian.
