Painting Bali Today

As Bali opened up to tourists after 1965, young Balinese painters and sculptors as well as many Javanese, Sumatran and Western artists settled in the area between Mas and Ubud. Almost every year a new art style (Pop Art, Macro Art, Magic Realism) emerges and new materials and techniques (batik, silk- screen) have become highly fashionable.

Only a small number of Balinese painters receive formal art training either abroad or at the Indonesian art academies in Yogyakarta (operating since 1950) and Denpasar (foundeded in 1965). Formally trained artists work in styles and with subjects that differ completely from those of other Balinese painters.

The work of the non-academic painters is still heavily influenced by stories from the epics and folktales, to the extent that many cannot be understood without a knowledge of Balinese literature. All painters, however, are fond of depicting daily Balinese life with its rituals and dramatic performances.

Most non-academic painters produce primarily for the tourist market. Many less talented ones, often children, engage in mass production of imitations of works by their more talented colleagues for sale in” art markets” and shops.

Balinese art is now displayed in many fine art galleries and several museums in Bali. Through Bonnet’s efforts, a museum for modern Balinese art, the Puri Lukisan, was built between 1954 and 1956 in Ubud. Sales annexes were added in 1972 and 1973. In 1979, an Arts Center, also designed for tourists, was opened in Denpasar. Expositions of paintings and sculptures are now held there, especially in conjunction with the yearly Arts Festival from July to August.