Kuta
Paintings by Galang Kangin
At Gaya Art Space, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud
Tel: 979252
Currently, at Gaya Art Space in Ubud, the members of the Balinese Galang Kangin art association are presenting a rather thoughtful exhibition entitled ‘Kuta’. The members of the association, which include artists Made Adnyana, Ketut Teler, Dewa Wijaya, Wayan Setem, Made Sudana, Nyoman Ariwinata, Made Gunawan, Made Ardika, Nyoman Rupa, Wayan Swanta, Made Wiratmaja, Made Supena, Gusti Muliyana and Agung Putra, originally intended to explore, through painting, social concerns which the artists believed were of importance to Bali and the Balinese. These artists felt that Bali was becoming alien. The over-development of residential real estate, resulting in the narrowing of village spaces, combined with the madness of the tourist industry, were just some of the various issues the artists wished to confront. However, these are broad and far reaching matters, and, under the guidance of the local art critic and curator Hardiman, the artists agreed to narrow the focus of their exhibition into one particular area. Kuta.
Why Kuta? As Hardiman says in the accompanying catalogue: “We understood that Kuta is a small territory in Bali with a big problem. In Kuta, religious activities go hand in hand with the glamorous party life. In Kuta, the street hawkers make transactions together with the wholesalers. In Kuta, the fishermen and tourists breathe the same sea air. In short, in Kuta, God, Alcohol, and everything else, each get their own seat”. Hardiman, and the artists, realized that Kuta could act as a metaphor for the whole of Bali. Kuta would be seen through the artists’ eyes.
Each participating artist of the Galang Kangin has made a painting investigating some of the issues happening in Kuta. The resulting exhibition, in a variety of styles and subject matter, is a compelling mix of hope, imagination, expression, representation and reflection. ‘Limitedness and Defense Complexity’ by Nyoman Rupa, ‘Kuning’ by Wayan Setem, ‘Attribute’ by Ketut Teler and ‘Ciuman’ by Agung Putra, are just four examples from this excellent exhibition, which delves into themes as various as nature, architecture, tourism, sex, lifestyles, leisure, and alienation. However, it should be noted that the Galang Kangin regard the artworks not as a final destination, but, rather, as a departure point. The Galang Kangin’s ongoing exploration of their own experience of the conditions of Balinese life around them will continue.
Adinnale 2010
Artworks by Adi Bachmann
At Adi’s Gallery, Jl. Bisma 102, Ubud
Tel: 977104
Adi Bachmann can honestly say that he has never claimed to be a painter. He was educated as a typographer and graphic designer. Adi worked in Germany as a designer of book jackets and book covers. After re-establishing himself in Ubud, as a gallery proprietor, Adi feels that his education and professional background primarily classifies him as a designer, and not as a ‘fine’ artist. But, Adi likes to question if there is anything wrong about creating pieces of art which look like trade marks, brand names, and logos? In his opinion: “Art is a kind of communication, and, with my logos and symbols, I try to communicate”.
In his latest exhibition, ‘Adinnale 2010’, Adi presents 69 pieces of his art, which he likes to call “My Life in 40 by 40”. Consisting of Reliefs, Collages, Objects, Assemblages, Paintings, Sculptures and Ready-Mades, these small format art objects, all of which are approximately 40 by 40 cm, utilize signs and symbols to present concise messages full of action, liveliness, and impact. As the works ‘Untitled 1 and 2’ show, Adi presents a lot of ironic, thoughtful, and witty ideas. An attitude of playfulness and creativity illuminates many of these pieces. This exhibition may not be about ‘high’ art, but, it does provide great enjoyment!
Super Heroes
Group Exhibition
At Hanna Art Space, Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud
Tel: 978216
Opening at the Hanna Art Space on May 29, the ‘Super Heroes’ exhibition presents an intriguing theme. Inspired by the abundance of ‘Super Heroes’ to be found in comic books, TV shows, and the movies, a group of young Balinese artists investigate the role of the ‘Super Hero’ in contemporary culture. These artists, including Gede Darmawan, Sedana Putra, Komang Putra, Gusti Mahardika, Gusti Kurniawan, Wayan Linggih, Made Somadita, Nyoman Suarnata and Ida Bagus Tilem, feel that the “return of the ‘Super Hero’ has become a long endless hope”. These artists surmise that it is not only mankind, but nature itself, which has been waiting for the presence of a ‘savior’. Consequently, the issues which the artists bring up in their show not only encourage us to idolize the ‘Super Hero’, but to entice all of us to follow the heroic example and become the hero ourselves.
The artists use a broad range of art styles and techniques to emphasize the essence of a ‘hero’ within today’s confusing contemporary contexts. Questions like, “What does it take to be a hero?”, and, “What should the hero save?” receive provoking answers throughout the exhibition. Furthermore, the ‘narrative’ of the exhibition is intelligently presented. Starting with Wayan Linggih’s realistic piece ‘The Fan’, which attempts to delineate the source material of the ‘Hero’, the show moves through images of the ‘Heroes’ themselves, such as in Sedan Putra’s hyper-realistic ‘Transformer’, onto a ‘blue print’ for ‘An Indonesian Hero’, created expressively by Nyoman Suarnata. All of the artists present iconic works that are cartoonish, exuberantly colorful, and, yet, distinctively Indonesian.
