Bali's galleries promote local artists on global stage

Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali

In Bali two different worlds coexist, Bali, the center of arts and culture and Bali, one of the world's foremost tourist destinations.

It is obvious that the continuing construction of hotels, restaurants and other buildings has almost surpassed the development of facilities to foster the island's artistic endeavors.

But the establishment of art galleries, especially those committed to ensure the sustainability of artistic life in Bali, has been very encouraging especially in a period in which art is valued more as a commodity rather than a creative process.

The existence of such galleries may, at least, lessen the anxiety of many art experts who are concerned over the present unhealthy art business in which galleries have played a significant role in creating this disappointing environment.

Amir Sidharta, curator of Museum Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, feels that a large number of art galleries only function as art shops rather than reputable and respectable art institutions.

"Many of galleries act as art dealers that only buy and sell art works by local and international artists. They still lack vision," Amir said.

Ideally, an art gallery acts both as a patron for the artists and as an institution fully responsible for determining the value of art works, the art trends and as a research and study center.

"They have to give a larger contribution to nurture the development of art in the country in order for it to have an important impact on social and cultural life," said Amir.

Jais Dargawijaya, owner of Darga Gallery in Sanur, answered this need by holding high-quality art exhibitions and by promoting local artists in the international art world.

"Darga Gallery is trying to present world-class exhibitions to widen the horizon of local artists as well as to increase people's appreciation of the arts," said Jais when holding an exhibition of Paris-based artist Chu The Chun recently at her gallery.

Jais, a Paris-based art dealer and owner of Darga-Landsberg Gallery in Paris, added that an art gallery should function as education center for both artists and art lovers alike.

"A gallery can have a good reputation if it can function as a reference and a window to learn of the progress in the art world," said Jais who frequently takes Indonesian artists to display their works in Paris.

Arief B. Prasetyo, curator of the Jezz Gallery in Denpasar, admitted many galleries in Bali have sacrificed their ideals in order to catch up with the commercial market, especially the tourist market.

"But, we try to do otherwise. We focus on supporting talented artists and offer meaning," Arief said.

To achieve this idea, Jezz Gallery opens itself to all social sectors and welcomes all efforts to explore new horizons in the discourse and presentation of art.

The gallery, Arief said, has tried to offer its contribution to the development of Balinese contemporary art through continuous research and compilation of data about artists and their works, supported by an ongoing expansion of its facilities and network.

"Jezz Gallery often displays works that are not market- friendly but have something to be discussed and to be explored. These elements are important to keep the art world alive and kicking," he said.

Another gallery which has a visionary goal, is Seniwati Gallery in Ubud.

Established by a group of women artists including Mary Northmore, the Gallery has made a great contribution in supporting women artists; and has helped them to earn respect in local and foreign art circles.

"The Balinese art world was once dominated by male artists and their female counterparts were regarded as second-class artists," recalled Northmore.

The gallery was founded to help women artists advance. "The result has been very promising. There are a large number of Balinese women artists who are now standing out in national and international levels," she exclaimed.

Every year, Seniwati gallery searches for exchange programs and grants through art institutions or other organizations to send local artists to various overseas countries.

"Displaying works and getting appreciation play an important part in shaping an artist's career," said Northmore adding that overseas experience may enhance their skills and enrich their minds.

Seniwati Gallery has sent a number of artists to Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, the United States and other countries. "In the next few months, our gallery manager will have the opportunity to work at the National Gallery in Australia and to improve knowledge in arts management and curatorial work," added Northmore, one of the founders of the gallery.

It is important for a gallery to have a professional manager and curator to ensure the quality of its exhibition and its reputation to prevent the gallery from becoming an "arts shop."

Promoting quality exhibitions is also the main goal of Gaya Fusion of Sense Gallery in Payangan, Gianyar. "Our main intention is to promote diverse kinds of arts -- fine arts, performing arts, music, theater and every artistic activities," said Marco Lastruci, the gallery's manager.

The gallery has been successful in holding a number of art exhibitions and performances of Japanese artists, Italian puppet masters as well as many local artists.

"We use our space to provide artists and the people with a handful of artistic activities which can be inspiring to those who watch them," Marco said.

Bali, he said, will become an international arts center where artists from all corners of the world will gather and exchange works and experiences with the locals. "Having a gallery here in Bali is like having a gallery in a Western country. It is so incredible," said Marco.