Bangli, Peace and Harmony

IB Putu Purwita
Retired at a Young Age for Art

Possibly, there are only a few of Bangli’s people who do not know IB Putu Purwita, a versatile artist who has devoted his life to artistic and religious social activity. As an autodidact artist, the former officer PT Telkom Bangli is seriously motivated when invited to talk about artistic and artistic growth in society.
Born within an artist family and spiritual leader environment, since childhood Purwita has struggled in art. His involvement in art was started since elementary school. From his grandfather, he learned ‘pakem-pakem’ of art (shape of arts) especially various dances, from sacred dances to entertainment dances. He is a very recognizable person as a talented mask dancer who often does not want to accept payment for the activity of Yadnya ritual. “As an artist who practices the principle of ngayah (work selflessly for Yadnya), my life is devoted to art. I feel tranquility with art, so I retired at a young age,’’ he seriously said.
This man of simple appearance was born in Cempaga Village, Bangli, 9th February 1950. Since 1970, he has taught dance for children. In 1984, he founded the Dharma Kesuma Studio. His pupils are mostly of adolescents and children. “I feel very optimistic that our rising generation can maintain Balinese art as an ancestrol heritage,” he said.
In his daily life, Purwita is seldom at home, especially when ceremonial events are being staged as Purwita is needed to dance the Sidakarya mask dance; the dance of pemuput wali (finisher dance).
On certain days, his house is crowded with children wanting to learn dancing. Recently, hundreds of children studied with me and many of them have become successful artists. “It was very eventful that I taught them,” he proudly said.

(BTN/Suka)