Purnati supports artistic endeavors
Purnati supports artistic endeavors
Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Gianyar, Bali
Nestled in one of Bali's famous art villages of Batuan in
Gianyar, about a 45-minute drive from Ngurah Rai Airport in Kuta,
lies a spacious art center which houses a myriad of activities.
More like a resort than an art center, Purnati promotes its
well-equipped facilities to support the artistic endeavors of
both domestic and international artists wanting to work in Bali.
Working in such a beautiful place in a lush rural area may
probably be inspiring for any artist.
"It has been wonderful experience. I've learned a lot about
Balinese culture and Indonesia," said Rick Lewis, an artist-in-
residence from New York on his first visit to Bali. Now, Lewis is
working at the center preparing his upcoming painting exhibition
at the center next year.
Derived from the Balinese word Purnati, which literally means
pure heart, it wants to serve as a center for the arts for
artists from around the globe by encouraging exchanges of all
kinds.
Restu Imansari, one of the center's founders, explained that
the center hosts various workshops, retreats and resident
artists.
Some past participants include contemporary choreographers
from Belgium; photographers, painters and filmmakers from
America; and a drumming ensemble from Japan.
The art center's daily activities perhaps differ slightly from
those at other arts centers in Bali, Restu said. She explained
that most local art centers depend on projects and cultural
artists-in-residence and therefore can include such things as
painting, dance rehearsal, meditation or seminars. However, the
art center focused on the process, not the product.
"Purnati prefers to house explorations of theory, thoughts and
concept, and encourages inter-cultural and inter-disciplinary
collaboration," Restu said.
By helping musicians work with painters, for example, or
Balinese with European, Purnati widens the creative possibilities
of artists and facilitates their networking.
In an effort to introduce young people to this artistic
process, Purnati also hosts weekly dance classes for children
from local neighborhoods.
The center is equipped with a large amphitheater, a large
conference room, a multi-purpose building which often serves as a
gallery, private workshops for artists who stay at the center and
three lumbung -- traditional Balinese rice barns, which were
modified into star-hotel standard accommodations for those who
want to spend their time working and holidaying in Bali.
"Our (the center's founders) main objective is to help artists
strive in their respective fields," said Restu.
However, she refused to name the rest of the founders and the
sources of the center's funding. She only said the center is
funded by sponsors, occasional grants, the rental of facilities
to arts-related groups, and a groups of Americans, Europeans and
Indonesians who prefer to remain anonymous but who are deeply
committed to the long-term expansion of the Asian arts community.
Any professional artist or organization who wishes to use
Purnati's facilities must submit proposals of what they hope to
accomplish here, she said. Then the art center selects those
which seem the most promising.
"We are certain that any artists who stay here will afford
them with a new vision and understanding," she said. It is the
center's hope the artists will then go home to their country and
enrich their communities there with knowledge of Indonesia's Arts
and Culture.
Local artists are encouraged to participate in Purnati's
activities in a hope to widen their horizons through interaction
with international professionals.
"Balinese artists are given the first priority to work and to
collaborate as well as to perform with and learn from anyone who
stays here. Purnati serves as a meeting place for artists
throughout all of Indonesia," said Restu, herself an accomplished
dance choreographer.
For example, in August 2001, the center hosted a workshop and
joint exhibition of work from both Balinese and Irian Jaya wood
sculptors.