Currently the Tangkas Gallery is mounting a group exhibition entitled ‘Figure Out’. The show was curated by Arif Prasetyo, and it features the work of four young emerging Balinese artists: Made Wijaya, Komang Putra, Nyoman Suarnata and Komang Suarsana. The exhibition displays much energy and vitality and there is an eclectic mix of artistic styles along with the subject matters. This exhibition highlights that each artist is searching for a personal subject matter directly rooted in each artist’s life, and based in contemporary Balinese culture. Perhaps the variety of the works on show can be demonstrated through the canvases of Nyoman Suarnata and Komang Putra. ‘Skull’, by Nyoman Suarnata, depicts in a rough, forceful ‘punk’ manner a dried up cow’s head, which can be seen to be symbolic for a number of current Indonesian political situations. Whereas Komang Putra, in his lyrical work ‘Arrow of Love’, explores romantic Balinese mythology in a highly expressive figurative style.
Continuing with their policy of showing what they consider to be the best work of established contemporary Balinese painters, the Komaneka Gallery has presently on display a selection of canvases from their stable of artists. In his work ‘Amulet’, Wayan Wirawan presents a bold painting which is open to many interpretations. The work can be seen politically as an expression of external forces attacking traditional Balinese beliefs and customs, or, it could also be regarded as an expression of feminist ideals challenging the concepts of Balinese patriarchy. The violence of the work makes for a strong statement. In contrast to this work, Agung Kuswaka’s canvas ‘Contents’ explores surrealistic approaches to the use of Text and Image. The word ‘breakfast’ is divided up into many parts, stacked on top of one another, and then takes on the form of an appetizing cake, ready to be devoured by a hungry pair of knives and forks. The meaning of the work is obscure, and is left to resonate on the viewers’ subconscious. These are just two works in this intriguing exhibition which gives much food for thought!
Oracle Gallery
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud. Tel: 978611.
The Oracle Gallery is another Ubud art venue which is currently holding a group exhibition. ‘Discover, the Nature of who You are’ reveals the artistic personalities of Wolfgang Widmoser, Neal Adams, Filippos Bourboutsiotis and Kiky Gunawan. Again, a wide variety of artistic styles and subject matters are on display. Wolfgang Widmoser presents bizarre, surrealistic images which seem related to the Cosmos, Star Signs and the Zodiac. The works are expertly executed in his trademark ‘hyper-real’ style. Neal Adams also presents ‘super-real’ images, but, in works such as ‘Bamboo’, he studies the delicate patterns to be found in nature. Filippos Bourboutsiotis presents more of his amazing marble statues, of everyday objects such as seashells, or pieces of human anatomy, blown up into a gigantic scale, which then immediately forces us to re-appreciate the elegances of simple shapes and forms. While, finally, Kiky Gunawan, in the work ‘Phenomenon’, finds within the lush, twisting, structures of Balinese vegetation proof of the presence of Gods and Goddesses, along with hints of animals and reptiles.
Adi’s Art Studio & Gallery
Jl. Bisma 102, Ubud. Tel. 977104.
Regular visitors to Adi’s Art Studio & Gallery will be familiar with Adi Bachmann’s highly individual approach to art. In his latest exhibition, ‘The Hero’s Journey’, Adi presents more Objects, Paintings, Assemblages, Reliefs and Sculptures. These works chart his life’s course from Austria, through Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, England, France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, India, The Himalayas, China, Japan, Russia, North, Central and South America and, finally, Bali. Whew! A visit to this exhibition is cheaper than the air tickets! Within the narrative found in the exhibition, Adi summarizes his life’s experiences and artistic discoveries as six points that are of importance to him: Sex, Fun, Freedom, Togetherness, Transformation and Peace. These points are obvious in the works on display. Adi’s wit is evident in the assemblage piece ‘Anatomy of Sexual Intercourse, or, Human’s are Lust Machines’, where found objects are arranged to give an impression of marital bliss. But, it is in the simple assemblage pieces, like ‘Shells’, that the elegance of Adi’s work can be found. Also, of interest, is a piece entitled ‘Crossing the Alps’, which shows his journey through Italy as an adventure packed with mythological secrets. All of the works demonstrate Adi’s well refined sense of surrealistic humor.
Toko-Toko Gallery
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud. Tel: 975374.
Freeport Indonesia are the sponsors of this exhibition of Kamoro Tribal Art, and they are also the sponsors of the Toko-Toko Gallery, which will display an ongoing and evolving exhibition featuring the art of the Kamoro people. A 250-odd kilometer stretch of coastline on the southern shore of central Papua, bordering on the Arafura Sea, is home for the Kamoro, an 18,000 strong tribe. Traditionally, they are semi-nomadic, subsisting on hunting, gathering and fishing. The Kamoro produce powerful pieces of art with simple lines and tools. It was this type of art which inspired many modern painters, especially the cubists. In this exhibition there are fine examples of Mbitoro (totem poles), Yamate (shields) and Tapa Cloth Dancing Aprons (‘Tribal Art Images 1 & 2’). The exhibition is extremely comprehensive, and should be of interest to all people captivated by Primitive Tribal Art.
