"Nawa Sanga" Painters Group
Harmony in Diversity

History of the development of fine arts in Bali takes note that Balinese artists, as a matter of fact, are remarkably flexible in undergoing the profession of their artist-hood. Implied and then expressed that they are really individuals who never feel satisfied with what they have done, so they easily accept the present-day values when they considered them good to be developed later on and come in their own property.

The establishment of a painters group called Pita Maha in Ubud in the 1930s, became an indisputable witness where the concepts of modern painting such as composition, perspective, plastic anatomy, and colouring acquires intense attention.
Since then, the painters in Bali began to know what so-called individual work means, where they dare to write down their name on the painting they’ve made. However, the political situation at that time prompted the Pita Maha group to break up. Luckily, in 1954, some painters living in Ubud re-assembled themselves and founded the painters group named "Painters Group of Ubud". This can be definitely implemented as a marker in which the painters in Ubud really have got accustomed to modern thinking.
Such a habit seems to keep on continuing up to these days and is inherited by their children and grandchildren who are also deeply involved in the profession of painting. The founding of the Nawa Sanga Group adds the long series of names of painters groups in Ubud. Members of the group consist of nine young painters namely I Made Dana, I Ketut Kasta, I Ketut Karim, I Wayan Meja, I Wayan Januariawan, I Wayan Gde Suteja, I Wayan Balik Sena, I Made Suweta and I Wayan Purnata. They are young painters and have the same mission of having different characters in their works.
Their presence at the painting exhibition on 3 November-10 December 2006 at Alila Hotel & Resort, Ubud, means a great milestone for them. In terms of the passage of their artist-hood, they have the considerable hope to become a momentous part of the mosaic chains of Ubud paintings. History has verified that within a relatively short period in Ubud many painter groups have been set up, grown up and developed with distinctive motives and styles like the Pita Maha group when it was presided over by Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies and the Young Artists Group initiated by Arie Smith, the Batuan Group, the Pengosekan Group and many others.
At the present moment the Nawa Sanga Group is not different from other groups beforehand. They are professional painters with their respectively styles that are definitely different from one another. However, they have a perspective how to get their arguments united to create a power within the frame of harmony through works of art in the form of paintings. (BTN/Gung Man)

Putu Wirantawan
Mental Image

The domain of modern painting today undergoes adequately rapid growth. Proven by the appearance of new faces in this art domain that is accompanied by different painting styles. Take Putu Wirantawan for instance. This painter makes use of paper and colour pencil as media in his sketch and painting works.

His painting style is hard to be categorized as it is different from that of painters in general. "It took me quite a long time to understand the works of this painter," revealed the painting curator I Wayan Sukra.
This painter from Jembrana has exhibited his works since he graduated from the Denpasar Senior High School of Fine Arts in 1993. "Originally, I painted several figures, human as well as in abstract style concurrently with colour acrylic, canvas and water colour. However, since around 2003 I got bored and was no more able to develop my idea," uttered this graduate of the Indonesia Institute of Arts, Yogyakarta.
When his boredom culminated, he felt there was a call from his inner self to find out new idea. Paper and pencil then became new media he selected to bring forth his scratch. "I prefer to choose paper and pencil media as they are different from the use of paint and canvas. They are flexible media and I can spontaneously express my inspiration onto these media without waiting for the paint drying too long," said this left-handed painter.
During this exhibition Putu shows 18 painting and 9 sketch works. "For such sketches, I have made them since 2000 up to these days, meanwhile those paintings were made since 2004," said the painter who was born in 1972.
By focusing the attention on Mental Image, he would like to express an awareness of human being on God and the universe. Of course, as a Balinese every single work is inseparable from the mystical local tradition and culture and has strongly developed in the art domain of Bali.
This painter admitted that he found it difficult to make painting in large-size medium. Even though he liked to work in large format he acknowledged that he has concentrated well when using a piece of paper as its medium. To reach concrete final proceedings, he will combine some works into a narrating and remarkably appealing work. Presumably, it is one of the uniqueness of the painter of which one of his collections is retained at the Taiwan National Museum of Fine Arts. Meanwhile, his exhibition at Griya Santrian Gallery Sanur takes place from 10 November to 20 December 2006. (BTN/rai)

Painting Exhibition Held by Gallery VIII of BTN
"Bali is My Life"

Ten painters, coalesced into the Gallery VIII of Bali Travel News (BTN), held a co-exhibition at the Bali Tropic Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua. The exhibition, carried out in conjunction with the eight anniversary of BTN, was inaugurated by the Head of Badung Government Tourist Office, Drs. Made Subawa, representing the Regent of Badung, Sunday (19/11). It transpires until the upcoming 19th of December.
The 40 paintings exhibited, belong to several schools of painting styles, such as naturalism, decorative, cubism, naïve, modern and contemporary. The ten painters are Wayan Beratha Yasa, Ida Bagus Alit, Cok. Udiana NP, I.G.P.A. Mirah Rahmawati, Cokorda Raka, I Nyoman Sudarma, I Nyoman Suyasa, Made Murdika, I Wayan Mardika and Ida Ayu Ega Rahayuni.
Attendees present on the opening session were the Public Relation Division Head of the Badung Regency Putu Eka Merthawan, Deputy Director of Indian Cultural Centre Awanish Tiwari, owner of Bali Tropic Resort & Spa Jero Gede Karang along with management, tourism practitioner I.B. Lolec, gallery owners in Ubud and foreign tourists.
In his speech Mr. Subawa observed that such an event was significantly positive. By the execution of art painting, it was expected that the tourists would come again to visit this Island of the Gods. "At the same time, this activity can become a significant forum of tourism promotion for Bali that remains listless so more local events as this are highly required," he stated firmly. (BTN/015)

Painting to Make Himself and Others Happy

As a painter, Cok Raka does not want to be associated with a particular school of painting. In painting, the man from Guwang and born on 14 April 1966, just intends to keep on working and working. He does not know for sure whether it will resemble one of the schools, as it does not really matter. Nevertheless, his works of art tend to be categorized into decorative style that in its presentation takes the shape of cubes. "Many people say that my painting belongs to cubism. Obviously, I will keep on painting. To make one happy, first things first, I should make myself happy," says the painter and sculptor living at Wangbung Hamlet, Guwang Sukawati, Gianyar.
This owner of Awa Gallery collecting tens of sculpturing and painting works, concedes the theme of his works are predominantly on Balinese culture such as temple, climate of ngaben cremation, dancer and legends existing in Bali. His paintings are rarely displayed at art shops. They are mostly sold to pure painting enthusiasts. "I prefer to give my paintings to those that I’ve known thoroughly," says the chief of ARAMBA painting and sculpture community of which works have been collected by Dutch and Italian tourists.
However, at recent times Cok Raka more frequently held co-exhibitions. His first exhibition was carried out at the Melia Bali resort (1995), joined with the BIASA group at the Mangrove project with the theme around the mangrove plants and he is now performing an exhibition at the Bali Tropic Resort & Spa Nusa Dua.
According to him, such painting was got started by his habit to make sculpture. Of course, at his residence at Guwang Village, most of the villagers work as sculptor. Even, at his home occurs a sculptors group of which the number of members is encompassing 30 carvers. "By watching, I tried to make it and finally I became a sculptor," says this first winner of Sandstone Sculptor Competition at the Festival Nusa Dua (2005) proudly.
Since he studied at a Senior High School at Sukawati, this husband of Yoshiko Toyoda and father of two children obtained painting lesson. He was once delivered the method and technique of painting like facial painting and perspective. Similarly, the method of traditional painting was introduced to him such as the Batuan and Ubud style. Since the media in use merely consist of drawing paper and Chinese ink, he then fell in love with the art domain of brushing.
As soon as graduating from the Senior High School Wira Bhakti Denpasar, such art activity was brought to a close as he continued his study to the Jakarta Teachers’ Training College. There he chose the department of Mathematics. "Though taking the department of Mathematic, but he is also an artist. There, he gets involved in logics and imagination domain that should be done," says the ex-teacher at the senior high school No.97 Ciganjur Jakarta quietly.
Cok Raka then returned to his home village. He did not deeply involve in the art domain straightforwardly, he even turned to the tourism sector. Cok Raka was entrusted to manage a hotel in Ubud (1991). Nevertheless, the name of Cok Raka at art sphere, notably sculpturing, remained to sparkle. That’s why he was engaged as participant of sculpture exhibition at Ulun Ubud (1995). "From that time on, I got down to know other artists, including Gus Alit," says the sculptor who once had an opportunity to hold sculpture exhibitions at the Bali Zoo Park, Pawitra Ubud, Mangrove, Singapore, Japan and Australia.
Slack condition of tourism business in Bali drove Cok Raka to involve in the art domain more seriously. Not only sculpturing, he also has got engaged intensively in painting since 2003. Both of these art domains could go hand in hand and regardless the time passing by. "Back to painting was got started by my frequent activity in making the ritual paraphernalia or ngodi bade in ngaben cremation in Bali. That’s my story to recall the time when I was at secondary school," describes Cok Raka. (BTN/015)

Nyoman Sudarma Has Not Thought About School

Since his childhood, Nyoman Sudarma has got accustomed to painting. Be knowledgeable, his childhood was spent at Pekandelan Hamlet, Batuan, a renowned village for its traditional paintings. He lived at the home of his mother together with his grandfather, I Made Jata, who is also a traditional painter. On living there, his eyes all the time obtained amusement in the form of people’s activity expressing their allurement inspiration. Without being aware, all were set down, both the method and technique of painting. "I then attempted to imitate my grandfather. Eh….in fact it made me addicted. Ha….ha….ha," he tells laughingly.
Based on this experience, his flair at the painting domain kept on developing. Moreover, he was modestly guided by his grandfather. It obviously made his works get more alluring. Though he made use of eminently simple tools he could produce good paintings. Even, he was entrusted by his school to participate in a cartoon competition. "Since there were so many good works by other participants, I was conquered by other painters from Batuan," adds this young painter from Dangin Jalan Hamlet, Guwang, Sukawati calmly.
This long-haired man of Guwang-born, 20 January 1977, did not want to stop at that point. Having studied at secondary and senior high school he was back to sculpture. It’s natural; most people where he lives have a profession as sculptor so to get an order is easy. "Many people give me orders of sculptures, such as mask, garuda (mythical eagle) and others. They can be made at home. Having completed, they will be collected by the order giver. Afterwards, they are marketed to art shops," he describes.
Being successful as sculptor, this father of two sons was unable to forget the memory of painting when he was a child. Having graduated from his senior high school, precisely in 1999, he turned back to develop his flair at painting. He started by painting kites based on order. The kites were made from fabric and then he gave motif of painting on them as requested. "When I painted by watercolour, suddenly an inspiration came to my mind to express such an idea onto canvas. On that account, I have been accustomed to painting since 2002," says the member of ARAMBA art community group who previously exhibited his works at Mangrove and now join another at the Bali Tropic Resort & Spa.
Other than being intended for exhibition, Sudarma also makes painting based on order. Such paintings are then marketed to art shops. "To make painting for the order is evidently different. Within a day, I am capable of making four to five paintings. Sometimes, consumers come to my home directly to purchase and on other occasions, I bring them to Guwang Art Market," he adds.
Explained by this husband of Made Murni, his works are mostly inspired by nature such as panorama, humans and animals. He himself acknowledges that he does not get interested yet to paint the climate of rituals or other activities at temple. "Right now, I have discontinued my activity in sculpturing. I would like to focus myself on painting. And, I will not assuredly turn to other heart," he continues smilingly.
Concerning with school, Sudarma has not thought about choosing one of them. He just would like to paint in any style he likes. He has been used to paint in realistic, abstract and traditional style. "I want to be free. I will paint whatever inspiration comes to my mind. Yet, should there be any choice, I would like to make painting in modern decorative style," he adds seriously. (BTN/015)

Made Murdika
Lethargic Tourism, Back to Painting

Made Murdika presumably has not a formal education at painting. However, do not ask him about his artistic works. This young artist of Guwang-born on 27 July 1975 has abundant experiences in expressing his ideas onto canvas. Even, many of his works of art have been collected by the locals and foreign tourists.
According to this young painter from Wangbung Hamlet, Guwang Sukawati, Gianyar, painting has been done since his childhood. It can be said that his achievement at painting makes him moderately proud. He was at all times selected the best at his school. And, when studying at senior high school of tourism industry, he was once entrusted to represent his school to a caricature competition in Denpasar. Murdika only achieved the second winner.
Though he got accustomed to painting since his childhood, painting on canvas is a new experience for him. It was on account of the support of his fellow colleagues. More than that, due to his association in the circle of artists, chiefly painting, Murdika ultimately coalesced into the organization like ARAMBA and BAPA (Bali Artist Painters Association).
Since he joined this artist organization, this second of three sons of the couple I Nyoman Lontin and Made Remi finds himself more encouraged in art creativity. There, he feels to get challenges and make the better. Many quality artistic works have been produced by him, that’s why he was given an opportunity to participate in the exhibition. "Thank God, I was extended a chance to take part in this exhibition on 19 November-19 December at Bali Tropic Resort & Spa," says the painter who previously succeeded on the exhibition at Mangrove.
Pertaining to style, Murdika gets more interested in abstract style. In this style, that is categorized to be fresh, he feels to be able to reveal his entire inspiration. Even, by such free painting he could relieve his puzzled mind. "When I have an idea, I usually draw straightforwardly. However, when I have no idea I just make canvas. It once happened that my idea was stagnant on the way. As a consequence, there are many unfinished paintings," he says while smiling convivially.
When he is asked about his joy and grief, Murdika instantly replies," I hardly find grief. If I am painting I really enjoy it as it’s my hobby. Whether people like or dislike my work, it’s up to them," says this merchant and owner of an art shop at Guwang art market.
Murdika is indeed a creative man. Formerly, when he studied at the Primary School No.1 Guwang (1989) he used to sell effigies and so did he at his secondary school (1992). He also aspired to earn his life in other fields that lead him to resume his study to senior high school of tourism industry (1995). Having completed his study at this tourism school, he then worked at a hotel in Ubud and Denpasar. When the tourism industry got shattered, Murdika was back being a painter. "Other than being intended for exhibition I also make painting for commercial needs and to be sold at art shops. Yeah, it’s for the sake of earning my daily living," he utters. (BTN/015)