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