Modern painting galleries mushrooming in Bali

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Galleries exhibiting modern paintings have mushroomed on the holiday island over the past three years.

Until three years ago, "traditional" galleries, like those found in Ubud, Sanur and Kuta which specialized in local paintings and crafts, dominated the Balinese art scene.

These galleries offer traditional paintings by the so-called young artists, who hail mostly from Ubud.

When modern painters began to expand their business in Bali, galleries ventured to begin displaying modern paintings -- those falling in the categories of figurative, impressionist and expressionist, in the style of the late Affandi.

Among gallery owners who have dared to collect modern paintings are Wayan Suteja Neka, Nyoman Rudana and Agung Rai.

"I just want to improve people's appreciation of art. At this stage it is difficult," said Agung Rai, the owner of Arma Museum in Ubud.

He recalled a time in the '70s when painter Made Wianta came to his gallery offering "strange" paintings which he remembered as "wild lines on a piece of paper; something which collectors coming to the gallery did not understand".

"I told him (Agung Rai) to just put them in his gallery and pray to God that someone would buy the paintings," recounted Wianta, who is one of Bali's most famous painters and has held exhibitions in several countries.

Wianta said that in the '70s, collectors did not even care to glance at his works.

"They would have perhaps refused them if I offered them for free. But things are different now," he said.

Although galleries in Ubud provide room for modern art, this does not mean that modern artists have complete freedom because they must still compete with established traditional artists.

Famous painters such as AA Sobrat, Gusti Ketut Kobot, Ida Bagus Made, Wayan Bendi, Wayan Kasta and Sukada have become very wealthy thanks to their traditional works of art.

Many of the traditional painters have expanded their business ventures, opening hotels and restaurants. Some have even built museums. "This is to make sure that not all of our masterpieces are taken out of Bali," said Suteja Neka, owner of Neka Museum.

Meanwhile, modern painters are beginning to establish themselves on the island. Many of these artists are from Sanggar Dewata Indonesia, a forum of Balinese artists who are alumni of the Yogyakarta-based Indonesian Arts Institute.

Sanggar Dewata Indonesia has produced such "rebellious" painters as Nyoman Gunarsa, Made Wianta, Nyoman Erawan, Wayan Sika and Made Djirna.

"I remember how difficult it was to find a place to hold an exhibition despite the great number of galleries in Ubud," recalled Sika.

After saving enough money from the sales of his paintings, he established Sika Contemporary Art Gallery in 1996.

"I built this gallery to give more room to innovative painters to develop their original expressions," he said.

His efforts have brought about encouraging results. Dozens of exhibitions have been held in the gallery since it was opened. Several artists from Japan and Switzerland have also exhibited their works there, while a number of Sanggar Dewata Indonesia artists have been exhibited in Europe and Australia.

For artistic development this is an important idea. The dynamism of Balinese culture is due, in large part, to extensive contacts with India, China and countries in the Middle East.

In 1997, artist Koman Wahyu Suteja followed Sika's lead. He established Komaneka Fine Art Gallery on Jl. Monkey Forest in Ubud, believing that modern art has a bright future in Bali.

"More and more collectors are interested in modern paintings and this is very encouraging to local artists," said Wahyu, son of Suteja Neka.

A further step in establishing modern art in Bali occurred when Hartanto, a poet, opened Balinese Culture House Mangsi in 1998. Observers called it a "daring decision" because the gallery only exhibits sketches and drawings.

"Sketching and drawing is the basis of fine arts and one cannot overlook them," Hartanto said of his reason behind opening the gallery. He also argues that Balinese calligraphy is full of spiritual overtones and thus needs special attention in order to develop.

The taste for modern painting apparently has also hit hotels. Until last year, upscale hotels simply exhibited artwork in their foyers. Now they have begun to provide special rooms where selected artists can exhibit their works on a regular basis.

Four Season Resort Jimbaran, for example, has opened Ganesha Gallery to exhibit modern paintings.

The Chedi Ubud has held exhibitions since 1998, featuring the works of Made Supena, Mangu Putra and Yanuar Ernawati.

"We want to prove that hotels are concerned with more than making money; they are also a place to promote an appreciation of the arts," said David Kurniawan, assistant manager of Chedi Ubud, which shoulders the exhibitions' overhead costs.

"We also plan to hold seminars and discussions on the arts for cultural observers," he added.

Painting exhibitions have also been organized at other major hotels, including the Nusa Dua Hotel, Nuvotel, Padma Hotel, Bali Hyatt, Grand Hyatt Bali and Keraton Bali.

Hotels' goals in holding these exhibitions differ. Some intend to help promote an appreciation of the arts, and others simply want to make money by selling the works of art. In either case, modern art in Bali wins.