Kiswara channels supernatural elements into his paintings

Kiswara channels supernatural elements into his paintings

or

Kiswara, a follower of god Shiva, puts a magical touch into his
work

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Alpha Savitri
Contributor
Denpasar, Bali
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Every painter has his own special mark reflecting their source
of inspiration.

For Balinese artist Kiswara, his works reflect his spiritual
belief, a metaphysical touch that can be found not only in the
themes of his works, but also in his extraordinary brushwork.

His paintings, on display alongside the works of other six
painters at an ongoing exhibition at the Nikko Bali Resort and
Spa here, are totally filled with magical nuances.

Although Kiwara received no formal training, he seems
proficient in mastering his brush, mixing colors to create
supernatural or mystical objects out of his imagination.

The rare talent of the painter was discovered several months
ago by I Made Yudia Putra, an organizer of painting exhibitions.

At first it was difficult to persuade him to take part in an
exhibition as Kiswara considers his paintings the result of a
supernatural force and he had to ask god Shiva's permission
before participating in such an exhibition. But finally, Kiswara
said, god Shiva granted him his request.

For Kiswara, his paintings are the manifestation of his dreams
in reality.

The artist claims he is often visited by spirits -- followers
of god Shiva or even god Shiva himself -- who takes him to fly
and fight enemies before returning victorious. Sometimes he is
taken by him to watch tabuh rah, cockfighting at a temple.

When he wakes up, he puts his dream on to the canvas,
following supernatural voices that urge him to immediately paint
what he has seen in the dreams. The result can be seen in his
works, such as Topeng Sidakarya I, Topeng Sidakarya II (The Mask
of Sidakarya I and II), Tabuh Rah, 3 Bidadari (Three Angels),
which are all imbued with symbols of god Shiva, whom he worships.

Kiswara has been fond of painting since childhood and was
taught by the late painter, Antonio Blanco.

However, until around a year ago, he had never been seriously
involved in painting.

He explained that it was the hand of god that assisted him in
selecting and mixing the colors, dark gradations and somber
colors and the rendering of magical objects.

"When I pour out what I see in my dreams, I feel the presence
of god watching and helping me in my work," said the father of
two who prepares offerings before starting to paint.

In his daily life, Kiswara is widely known as a rangda (symbol
of evil power) dancer in the temple in his hometown in Jembrana
regency in Bali.

In Bali, not everyone can become a rangda dancer at the
temple. The selection is done through a spiritual process.

When Kiswara, born on Jan. 21, 1965, was still in senior high
school, the temple priest, possessed by a supernatural power,
appointed him as the dancer. Hence he was officially appointed as
the follower of god Shiva, something he had never imagined
before.

His mastery of dance is visible in Topeng Sidakarya, which is
filled with symbols of god Shiva. To Balinese Hindus, Topeng
Sidakarya is a performance filled with religious significance and
is always performed to complete five important ceremonies
(Pancayadnya) in Bali: Dewayadnya, Pitrayadnya, Manusayadnya,
Resiyadnya and Butayadnya.

The unique thing is, whenever he is asked to perform the
dance, unknowing a desire to paint emerges from within him.
Therefore, Kiswara always brings along his brushes and paint. And
during the show, he paints as well, sometimes not aware of what
he is doing as he is in trance. When he becomes conscious, the
painting, although still unfinished, stands in front of him.
Later, Kiswara only has to apply some finishing touches to it.

This phenomenon might be hard to comprehend. But in Bali,
there's a belief that some artists are endowed with taksu, a gift
from God. Famous artists are known to make use of taksu so that
their work is admired.

Kiswara and six other painters are exhibiting their works at
Nikko Bali, Resort and Spa until Oct. 31.