In July and August 2003, 30 to 40 Swiss cows will be seen
In July and August 2003, 30 to 40 Swiss cows will be seen grazing on the grounds of the Island of Paradise for the first time. These cows were carefully "made in Bali", but with "genes" brought in from Switzerland. A group of enthusiastic Balinese and Swiss citizens residing in Bali, the Swiss Cows in Bali Committee has taken responsibility for the presence of these animals in Bali. After their first public appearance, the cows will be displayed and auctioned off on Aug. 9 at the spectacular Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) cultural theme park on the island's southern peninsula.
The Swiss Cows in Bali project has assembled a group of most talented young Balinese artists originating from villages with distinct painting styles, art communities, art schools as well as individual artists. Together they have created a pictorial essay of the rich cultural heritage, magic and tropical beauty of Bali. A unique and stunning herd of cows never sighted before is soon to be displayed publicly. They showcase the various styles of Balinese paintings, from the earth-tone, stylized wayang (puppet) figures of Kamasan; the bright and fun young artist style of Penestanan; the ornate, chiaroscuro of Batuan; the colorful, lush and fleshy style of Pengosekan; to the more realistic- naturalistic style of academic young artists. All of them convey the vibrant nature-culture of Bali.
At first some of these young artists recoiled with apprehension upon seeing the task ahead -- painting on such unfamiliar ground, on irregular canvases in the shape of cows. After some extra encouragement and motivation, however, they were up to the challenge, and at the end were pleased and pleasantly surprised at their work.
The Swiss Cows in Bali art project is primarily aimed at promoting and supporting the barely publicized works of these highly talented young artists. It has unexpectedly received a very enthusiastic response from a good number of the more celebrated contemporary Balinese artists like Wianta, Sika, Jirna, Budhiana, Karja, Supada, Darmika, Murni, Dana and several others. They, too, want to breathe life into the cows with their brush strokes. In addition, the well-known Swiss artist, the line master Stephan Spicher, who has worked in Bali from time to time, has participated.
The sustainability and quality of the various traditional Balinese painting styles largely depends on the amount of support, promotion and appreciation that the young traditional painters receive. The Swiss Cows in Bali art project is, therefore, committed to helping these young artists through this charity event in conjunction with the Rotary Club Nusa Dua. Hopefully, the commercial benefit generated from the upcoming auction and from subsequent projects will enable that to be achieved.
Contacts Swiss Cows in Bali: tel. (0361) 292489, fax (0361) 292493, e-mail contact@swisscowbali.com