Solo Exhibition, “Kamasukha, the Expression of Eroticism”

Genta Fine Art Gallery is situated in the village of Lodtundoh, approximately 4 km south of Ubud. It is a rustic village flanked by rice fields whose homes are adorned by traditional carved gateways that greet in a friendly manner all who wander along Lodtundoh’s main street. To the left, right, and also behind the gallery lie lush rice fields to feast one’s eyes upon. Genta Gallery comprises three main buildings, which house collections of Indonesia’s maestro artists in a variety of styles: classical, traditional, contemporary; as well as the works of more junior artists.
The owner of Genta, Ari Putra Rudana, has made available a special exhibition space called the “JEPUN BALI EXHIBITION ROOM” for works by younger artists with a mature technique and sharp concept, whose creative skills are vanguard. This space, which features art in the Pop Art style, measures 14 x 12 m and is surrounded by glass in order to achieve an ambience appropriate for the works of these talented young artists.
The solo exhibition “Kamasukha, the Expression of Eroticism” is by the up-coming talent Kun Adnyana, and features 9 of his best works, one of which has been sold and 50% of its proceeds given to educational charities and temples island-wide. According to gallery owner Ari, exhibitions will be staged on a monthly basis with a view to telling people about “JEPUN BALI” at Genta Gallery, and to encourage them to visit. The current exhibition runs from 1 July until 31 August 2003.

Photo Exhibition by Iwan Darmawan, a Tragic Song of Kuta

A true circumstance, whatever its form, that happens today, can still be immortalized through a photograph. By means of those photos, past events can be easily remembered, not only sweet memories, but tragic events as well.

Bali Post photographer/reporter, Iwan Darmawan, has been exhibiting his work at Denpasar Arts Center. The exhibition is related to Bali’s 25th Art Festival and the 55th Bali Post Anniversary. The theme is “Against Inner Spirit”, recounting about the bombing tragedy in Kuta that claimed more than 200 lives from 500 victims, most of whom were Australian. On the night of 12 October 2002 Iwan Darmawan put aside his fears and followed his instincts. In the midst of the carnage, he used his skills to record this tragic moment and catch pictures for the next day’s publication. After that night, Iwan Darmawan observed the location continuously and recorded it with his camera. Half of his works appeared in the Bali Post and the rest of hundreds have been selected and now feature in his exhibition.
Standing on the second floor of the ARTI Arts Foundation building, we are taken back to that time of sorrow. Iwan Darmawan’s pictures speak louder than words. For example, the photo entitled “Bela Sungkawa” (Condolence) shows several foreigners standing in line, some carrying floral arrangements, some carried on others’ backs’, with sadness in their eyes. Iwan Darmawan had both the acuity and luck required to catch all of these moments.
Another photograph that captures the emotions of the time is entitled “Kenapa?” (Why?) In the picture two tourists hug each other, staring at the ashes where a building once stood. Perhaps a friend, lover, husband, wife or children lay among the dust, one of the victims of the evil that destroyed the Sari Club and Paddy’s Café.
Iwan Darmawan not only took pictures of foreigners, but also caught pictures of local figures. One of them is entitled “Doa I” (Prayer), showing Guruh Soekarnoputra with his wife praying head down. The photos in “Tercenung” (Pensive) show two men of different religion, Moslem and Hindu, gazing through the ruins with an empty look, with probably, the same questions and feelings on their mind.
Some photographs are symbolic. The bombing influenced the tourism industry of Bali especially. He reminds us that this sector as a pillar of the economic sector in Bali the incident’s influence will spread to other sectors. This subject is symbolized by the overturn of a broken wheel, entitled “Roda” (Wheel).
None of the pictures of this exhibition shows the blood and carnage of the tragedy. This is intentional, because it was felt that in doing so it would give more power to the terrorists that carried out the bombing and their intention to provoke continuing conflict in Bali.
Iwan Darmawan’s work reflects how the Balinese and foreigners faced this tragedy. Several of his photos show a group of people praying with their own faith and their own ways. They came from many countries and religions to pray for the victims. Perhaps this was a rare event in the world. In the land of Bali, the Island of the Gods, amongst the ruins of Kuta, an astonishing unity was created, beyond the terrorists’ wishes and calculation.
Also in the exhibition you can see pictures of barong ngelawang after the bombing. These photos are very simple and far from beautiful. Iwan Darmawan as a Bali Post photographer, only wishes to take journalistic photographs, rather than being concerned with technique. (BTN/010)