The Biasa Art Gallery is currently holding a group show of examples of works from their stable of artists. There is no theme to the show, but, perhaps the title, ‘Open Daily’, suggests that as members of the art going public we should appreciate an ‘artistic experience’ once a day! Maybe. Anyway, the exhibition displays some fine examples of the art of Matteo Basile, Sara Nuytemans, Arya Pandjalu, Angki Purbandono, Kokok Sancoko, Farhan Siki, Maurizio Vetrugno and Made Wianta. However, the most interesting work on display is an installation from Ugo Untoro, entitled ‘Poem of Blood’. It contains two simple images, ‘Burn’ and ‘Flower’, in which the works have been created by burning the canvases with a cigarette. They are very ingenious pieces of work. Plus, there is an absolutely extraordinary life size statue of a horse, entitled ‘Night Rain’, which is created from iron arrows. This installation shows, once again, that Ugo Untoro is one of the few artists who have brought contemporary Indonesian art to a new level. His strong character, and persistence in creating art works that reflect on the conditions of existence, both as the experience of being an artist and also of being human, demonstrate for him that contemporary Indonesian art is a turbulent part of everyday life.
Café des Artistes
Jl. Bisma 9X, Ubud. Tel: 972706.
Olivier Lamboray is a Belgian artist resident in Bali. In his current exhibition, ‘The Bali Self’, at the Café des Artistes, Lamboray demonstrates his reputation as a Surrealist artist who skillfully combines European painting techniques with the subtlety of Asian imagery. Lamboray’s work follows the tradition of Western Surrealism, in which the realms of the unconscious, irrational, and imaginary are made accessible. In his exhibition, Olivier Lamboray presents a collection of paintings in which intriguing and unexpected images coincide, and create a ‘poetic spark’ which is much admired by the Surrealists. Lamboray creates involving paintings that depict fantasies of the mind. Through puzzling images, the mind is beguiled by unusual and evocative scenes of a mysterious Bali that contains all the fascinating suggestiveness of a dream. What is interesting about Lamboray’s work, such as the piece ‘Manggis Heaven’, is that his freedom of expressive fantasy is not anarchic, but, on-the-other-hand is contemplative. The works are in harmony with nature and the environment. They are non-critical and attempt to induce a sense of peace and happiness. In typical Surrealist style, the works remain open for individual interpretation. Lamboray’s paintings are a dreamscape of Bali. They are not what we see, but, what we imagine.
Gaya Art Space
Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud. Tel: 979252.
The Gaya Art Space is another gallery that is holding a show of works from their stable of artists. Among the pieces are paintings from Kun Adnyana, Krisna Murti, Hamad Khalaf, Nino Mustica and Dadang Christanto. The most striking work exhibited, however, is the powerful painting, ‘Untitled Face’, from Roberto Coda Zabetta, who is labeled a Transavantgardist. This 1980’s Italian art movement emerged as a reaction against Minimal and Conceptual art. Working from a photograph of the face of an anonymous male cancer victim, Zabetta intensifies his image of human existence amid extraordinary internal and external stress and pain. The work depicts the physical suffering of the victim, but also acknowledges the psychological impact of the disease. The ravages of the disease on the victim’s face, and the ghostly appearance of his eyes, suggests something distinctly unsettling and discomforting. An indication of impending death and the inevitable journey into the unknown. Zabetta’s canvas has a theme that many will find upsetting. Yet, this is a dazzling work full of painterly pleasures and angst.
Tangkas Gallery
Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud. Tel: 975793.
In all, thirty eight artists contribute to the exhibition ‘Mini Art’ at the Tangkas Gallery. The idea was that all the artists would exhibit a work no larger than 10 X 10 cm. As you would expect, in an exhibition containing so many artists, many different styles, themes and subject matters emerge. As you would also expect, some of the works succeed admirably, while some of the works fail to address the limitations of ‘size’. Presenting works which are basically no more then shrunken down images. The most successful work comes from Nyoman Suartawan. His subject, a walnut painted with the American Flag, is the perfect size for the exhibition’s concept. Also, wittingly entitled ‘American Label’, the work makes humorous comments on American influences. Is America so occupied by consumerism that everything has to carry an American label? Or, has America gone ‘nuts’?
Tony Raka Art Gallery
Jl. Raya Mas 86, Mas, Gianyar. Tel: 7816785.
The Tony Raka Gallery is presenting the finalists in the ‘Radar Bali Art Awards 2008’. The competition is intended to showcase, support and stimulate young Balinese artists. Thirty artists are represented in the show, and, again, a wide variety of styles and subject matters are on display. Some of the works you might like and some you won’t, but, the show certainly succeeds in displaying the current thoughts and themes of emerging young Balinese artists. One of the winners, Agus Putu Suyadnya, presents a disturbing image in his canvas, ‘Teddy Bear… Oh, Teddy Bear’. A superbly rendered ‘hyperreal’ Elephant is about to trample a child’s Teddy Bear. The question is where is the child? Has it already been trampled ‘out-of-frame’?
