Spaniard paints with Balinese touch

By Carla Bianpoen

JAKARTA (JP): Several Spanish artists have come to Indonesia to have their creativity spurred by a culture different from their own, in an environment that contains aspects similar to their own, but nevertheless foreign. Just like great masters of the West introduced new forms of art through assimilating African or Pacific cultures, a stay in Indonesia is expected to spur the Spanish artists' creativity, leading to, who knows, new directions in Spanish art. Later, art historians might identify this point in time as a turning point in Spanish art expression.

Since last year, six artists have visited Indonesia, each for a two-month stay, and each of them has exhibited their products at the Spanish Embassy on Jl. Haji Agus Salim.

Pere Bennassar is the seventh artist, currently displaying his creations until March 23. Twenty-one paintings are testimony to the influence of life in Bali during eight weeks. Apparently, the sun in Bali is different from that in his hometown Felanitx in Mallorca. White, light blue, red and yellow are now dominating his canvases, replacing his usual darker hues.

"Everything is different, and everything is interesting," remarks the artist, explaining the subject themes of his paintings.

There is Perro, a sculpture-like animal depiction, inspired by the many dogs he has seen in the street, there are also the faces women selling vegetables, souvenirs, clothes or offering massages on the beach. Other sources of inspiration are the fish and fruit, fences and cocks, and the overwhelming view of the beach, the sea and the hotel. Remarkably, the temples abundant in the public and private domain of Balin appear to have escaped his interest.

Pere Bennassar's works have an air of Picasso and Miro. This is understandable, as these are his two heroes. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was the most influential figure in modern art, known for his mastery of many styles, his sweeping vibrance and his enormous creativity, while Joan Miro (1893-1983) was a great master of modern surrealistic art who created whimsical figures and forms with a great sense of humor which both old and young people could relate to.

As a boy, Pere Bennassar used to copy the works of these masters in ceramics, which were made in his father's ceramics factory. Somehow, that time continues to mark his works. In his sculptured painting of Perro the straight cubist planes and the eye of the dog may be reminiscent of a Picasso, and its tail may look like a Miro, yet it falls short of vibrance and a 'soul' which would have completed the appealing color combination.

By contrast, his depictions of still life seem to be more illustrative of his own identity. Playful lines form the shapes of his imagery, while a collage using paper and different kinds of canvas puts the accent on the works which combine white, blue, and red and yellow hues.

Colors take an important place in the works on display. With so many colors splashing out under the sun in Bali, it could not be otherwise. It is true that Mallorca is a place where tourists from Europe flock for a bit of sun, but then, evidently the variations in Bali are more plentiful with a stronger impact of the sun.

Evidently, two months in Bali did not provide enough time for the artist to get out of the ambience of a modern hotel in order to know the culture with its traditions and its intertwining of art and religion and ceremonies, an essential part of Balinese life.

Pere Bennassar was born in Felanitx, Mallorca. He has enjoyed a formal art education and has worked and exhibited in various European countries. In two weeks, he will return to Spain, where he will continue to produce art inspired by Bali. Bali for Pere is the best place to be. "I shall return" is a promise he wants to keep. Maybe then he will be allowed to have some time to make up for a serious omission this time, i.e. meet with Indonesian artists.