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Ogoh-ogoh or papier mâché demon, as creative art form made by Hindu community in Bali, is worth making a cultural object. Moreover, this sculpture of large size is regularly made every year in an effort to dismiss the elements of bhuta (bad character) in the microcosm (human self) and macrocosm (nature). Even, the ogoh-ogoh is worth displaying in museum. It was revealed in the seminar on Ogoh-ogoh held at the Gazebo of Soka Indah Restaurant & Bungalows, recently. Such one-day seminar presented the expert of the arts, culture and religion, such as I Wayan Dibia (art), Dewa Putu Ardana (museum), I Ketut Wiana and I Gusti Ketut Widana (religious figures).

Dewa Putu Ardana said the emergence of ogoh-ogoh from the beginning was a form of visualization for glorifying a ritual. In the 1970s, there was the forerunner of the ogoh-ogoh but it remained in simple form because it was only made from coconut fiber. Then, in 1980s an innovation had been made to make it more perfect and in the 1990s until today had been created a lot of styles. “The making of ogoh-ogoh does not only function as a ritual, but also as an expression of young people creativity,” he said.

In its presentation, the ogoh-ogoh was often presented in the form of narrative stories, so that the technology began to enter. “Therefore, the ogoh-ogoh is worth becoming a cultural object because every year there will be a new and nice style. It also becomes a history because as derived from ritual paraphernalia. Now, the creativity of young people becomes a part of the culture,” he explained. Widana said the ogoh-ogoh emerged as bhutakala visualization. In terms of conception, the creation and imagination retained great philosophical elements. Its conception referred to bhutakala, a creature of God’s creation having a demonic character. Therefore, the making of museum was very precious and needed to be supported and to make it more complete.

Meanwhile, Wiana said the ogoh-ogoh was a means how the Hindu community in Bali interpreted the bhuta yajna ritual, namely eliminating the ogoh (bhuta) within the self and in nature by ritual. Philosophically, it represented the dark side of human nature. “The dark side cannot be removed because it is a part of life. So, we should balance the negative and positive elements to build our character,” he explained While the art expert Dibia said the ogoh-ogoh element had existed since long time ago. By and large, it was presented in the cremation ceremony depicting human carrying a roasted pig. Creepy and suspenseful character was inspired by the existing effigy. It then developed into a new culture in the late 1980s. “Obviously, the ogoh-ogoh is a contemporary and impromptu work of art,” he said.

He said it contained the element of performance and even became a spectacular theatrical show. “It is a performance of some kilometers long and involves thousands of people. It also contains the elements of dance, music and painting. Well, lately some social issues came to view, so they were depicted in various forms of ogoh-ogoh whereas its initial appearance was scary,” he said. Owner of the Gazebo at Soka Indah Restaurant & Bungalows, Armantyo Naresyworo, serving as sponsor stated the museum aimed to build the character of children in Indonesia, so that they could understand the cultural philosophy. “After this seminar, we will organize a contest to choose the best to be displayed in the museum,” he said.

Aside from preserving Balinese culture, the museum could also be used as a medium of education and tourist attraction. “We’ve done preparation and socialization to the leaders and public as well as to government agencies. Hopefully, after Nyepi the museum can be opened,” he hoped. (BTN/015)

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Sunday, May 19, 2013

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