Artist Made Wianta holds retrospective display

UBUD, Bali (JP): Having been involved in the local art scene for more than 30 years, renowned Balinese artist Made Wianta feels the urge to display some of his creative art works in a special exhibition called Retrospective 1970-2000.

In this exhibition, displayed in three places until the middle of February, Museum Rudana in Ubud, Genta Fine Art Gallery and GRP Gallery in Ubud, Wianta is displaying 200 paintings from the period between 1970 and 2000.

Born in Apuan Village in Tabanan, Wianta graduated from the ASRI Yogyakarta Arts Institute in l974. Wianta is one of Bali's young artists who, at that time, was brave enough to leave classical Balinese painting styles and adopt abstract genre.

Most of Wianta's works are characterized by abstract symbols and forms. However, the artist's creations are imbued with a very Balinese spiritual quality packaged in contemporary art form.

Along with Nyoman Gunarsa, Wianta, 51, is considered the pioneer of Balinese contemporary art whose works have influenced younger artists like Nyoman Erawan, Wayan Sika, Nyoman Erawan, Budiana and many others.

Presently, Wianta's works are among the most sought-after paintings among local collectors.

In Jean Couteau's book entitled Art and Power, the writer tells how Wianta's paintings are now collected by art lovers in Thailand, Japan, Australia, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and Belgium.

Wianta is known for his versatility. In addition to his abstract painting, he has created various installation arts including Happening Art, Art and Peace.

He also wrote an anthology of his poems published by Bentang Budaya foundation a few years ago.

Aside from his artistic endeavors, Wianta is also known as being social-minded. He often raises funds to support welfare projects including anti-AIDS campaigns.

In l993, he donated 25 paintings to be auctioned in California to help support an anti-AIDS program. (raw)