Art lecturers' exhibition: Modern works inspired by traditions<\/p>\n
Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Magelang, Central Java<\/p>\n
Rebellious students have long used the comeback, \"You don't know
\nit all\". Now, 39 art lecturers from Bali are admitting it, as
\nthey set out on a quest for knowledge and to market their own
\nwork.<\/p>\n
The group will hold exhibitions along the way, and humbly
\nawait input as they open their minds and broaden their palettes,
\nso to speak.<\/p>\n
Their first group show titled Jejak Tradisi Dalam Ekspresi
\nModern II (Traces of Tradition in Modern Expression II), opened
\non Sept. 5.<\/p>\n
The week-long exhibition of 74 works -- held at the H. Widayat
\nMuseum on Jl. Letnan Tukiyat 32, Mungkid, here -- includes 40
\npaintings, 22 mixed-media works, five ceramic pieces, four
\nphotographs, two sculptures and an ironwork installation. All
\nbear Balinese touches.<\/p>\n
I Wayan Karja's abstract oil painting Horizon Hijau (Green
\nHorizon), which measures 280 cm by 180 cm, explores the mandala,
\na Hindu or Buddhist geometric design that symbolizes the universe
\nand is often used in Balinese art, although also as an aid to
\nmediation.<\/p>\n
I Wayan Suardana's mixed media work Terbuang (acrylic on wood,
\n100 cm by 40 cm, 2004) recalls a Balinese ritual, whereby the
\ntraditional cake sarat is an integral element, yet discarded once
\nthe ceremony is over.<\/p>\n
\"It's very difficult for us to avoid tradition in Bali.
\nEverything is tradition there,\" said head of Denpasar's School of
\nFine Arts I Wayan Karja, who is also curator of the exhibition,
\nin explaining its title. The same title was used for a show held
\nin December at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta's Societet Building in
\nYogyakarta.<\/p>\n
According to Karja, the old Balinese view of the universe, as
\norderly, harmonious and systematic, is a constant theme of the
\nisland's art. In everyday life, the Balinese still strive to
\nachieve balance and harmony with a desire for liberation from
\nearthly evils, meaning that tradition is used as a guide for
\nmodern living.<\/p>\n
Traces of tradition are also apparent in other works, such as
\nI Gusti Ngurah Putra's Tri Sakti (The Powerful Three, oil on
\ncanvas, 70 cm by 60 cm, 2004), I Wayan Kondra's Topeng (Mask,
\nmixed media, 60 cm by 50 cm, 2003), I Made Berata's Pasrah
\n(Submission, acrylic on wood, 40 cm by 100 cm, 2003), I Gede
\nPutrajaya's Mediasi I (Meditation I, oil on canvas, 140 cm by 80
\ncm, 2004), I Ketut Adi Kesuma's Topeng I (Mask I, frangipani
\nwood, 40 cm by 50 cm, 2004), I Nyoman Dana's Barong (airbrushed
\nbronze, 50 cm by 50 cm, 2004), I Gusti Putu Mertana Mendala's
\nRejang Dewa (oil on canvas, 90 cm by 70 cm, 2003), and I Komang
\nArba Wirawan's
\nNaga Keras (Harsh Dragon, coated photographic paper, 90 cm by 70
\ncm, 2004).<\/p>\n
Other works exhibited include I Nyoman Marsa's Pasar (Market,
\noil on canvas, 60 cm by 70 cm, 2003), I Nyoman Sukaya's Pura Beji
\n(oil on canvas, 100 cm by 100 cm, 2004), I Wayan Suarjana's Pada
\nSaat Putus Cinta (suar wood, 83 cm by 44 cm, 2004), I Wayan
\nDarmawan's Tentang Punakawan (oil on canvas, 70 cm by 120 cm,
\n2004), Anis Raharjo's Ekspresi Kecak, coated photographic paper,
\n30 cm by 80 cm, 2004), I Wayan Kun Adnyana's The Traverse (oil on
\ncanvas, 140 cm by 100 cm, 2004), I Made Saryana's Evolusi Gajah
\n(oil on canvas, 150 cm by 100 cm, 2004), I Made Mertanadi's Guci
\nPecah (ceramic, 40 cm by 65 cm, 2003), and I Wayan Mudra's Wanita
\n(ceramic, 15 cm by 35 cm, 2003).<\/p>\n
Karja said the word \"modern\" in the title referred to Balinese
\ncontemporary arts.<\/p>\n
\"It is deliberately used to underline the importance of
\npreserving and revitalizing cultural values inherited from our
\nancestors. That way, participants in the exhibition will remember
\nthat traditional arts can be used as a commodity, with which to
\nface the modern art world that is so fiercely competitive,<\/p>\n
\"Sometimes, when we define our values, we refer to modern
\nguides rather than old ones. In fact, \"old\" values are still
\ninspirational,<\/p>\n
\"The same theme -- traces of the old in the new -- will be
\nused for our exhibition held next month in Puri Galeri, Malang,
\nEast Java\", said Karja, adding that, in the future, the art
\nschool would hold at least one exhibition outside Bali every
\nyear.<\/p>\n
Karja said that this would push lecturers-cum-artists, such as
\nhimself, to not just teach, but to keep on creating and improving
\ntheir work. It would also enable them to receive feedback from a
\nwider audience.<\/p>\n
\"Bali has been 'it' for most of us. We have shown our work in
\nall the museums and galleries there. We need to exhibit our art
\nelsewhere, to enrich ourselves,\" lecturer I Wayan Suardana said.<\/p>",
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