On July and August of 2003, for the first time, 30-40 Swiss
On July and August of 2003, for the first time, 30-40 Swiss JP/17/P03 Paradise. These cows are 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, those cows will be exposed and auctioned on August 9th at the spectacular Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) cultural theme park on the Southern peninsula of Bali.
The Swiss Cows in Bali project assembles a group of most talented young Balinese artists originating from villages of 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 the academic young artists. All of them convey the vibrant nature-culture of Bali.
At first some of these young artists curled with apprehension upon seeing the task ahead-painting on these very unfamiliar grounds, irregular canvases in the shapes of cows. After some extra effort of encouragement and motivation, however, they stood up to the challenge; and at the end were pleased and pleasantly surprised with their works.
The Swiss Cows in Bali art project that is primarily aimed at promoting and supporting the hardly-publicized works of these highly talented young artists, unexpectedly receive much enthusiastic response from a good number of the more celebrated Balinese artists, the contemporary artists like Wianta, Sika, Jirna, Budhiana, Karja, Supada, Darmika, Murni, Dana and several others. They, too, want to breathe life to the cows with their brush strokes. In addition, the well known Swiss artist, the line master Stephan Spicher, who has been working in Bali from time to time joins force.
The sustainability and quality of the various traditional Balinese painting styles to a large degree depend 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 help those 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 us just to do that.
Contact Swiss Cows in Bali - tel : (+62) 361 292 489 - fax : (+62) 361 292 493 - email : contact@swisscowbali.com