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Balinese Art Styles: A Thousand Years of Creative Expression

The island of Bali, nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, is renowned not only for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich artistic heritage. Balinese art is a dynamic and ever-evolving tapestry that has captivated the world with its unique styles, expressive forms, and deep cultural significance. Over a thousand years of history, Balinese artists have developed an array of distinct art styles, each bearing the imprints of tradition, spirituality, and innovation. In this exploration of Balinese art styles, we delve into the evolution, characteristics, and significance of these remarkable creative traditions. Kamasan painting is a classical style originating from the village of Kamasan, known for its narrative depictions of Hindu epics and local folklore. These paintings are characterized by their use of natural pigments and intricate, stylized figures. Balinese sculpture is another prominent art form, with artisans expertly crafting intricate stone and wood c...
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Special Announcement - Muralis

[ENG] - Hello Bali Art Guide Community, A few months ago we were contacted by a Belgium group called Muralis , asking us to help spread the word about their upcoming event in Bali. We saw an opportunity for artists in Bali to get some International exposure. So we agreed to share their open calls through our network. Recently we were alerted to the document shared to artists from Muralis with some concerning features. Bali Art Guide is not a part of this project at all but we feel a responsibility to the community here so we would like to translate and clarify some key points that Muralis is suggesting. The document they sent is NOT a contract . This means that there is room for negotiation. Any artwork selected and sent to Belgium is done at the cost to the artist , not Muralis. Packing, shipping and insurance is the responsibility of the artist . If you want your artwork returned to Bali then Muralis can refuse your request If they agree then the artist is responsible for the cost ...
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Art as Ceremony: The Disappearance of the Artist Ego in Bali

In the Western canon, the artist is often a singular figure — genius, rebel, visionary — whose signature, style, and personal story are central to the artwork’s meaning and market value. In contrast, Balinese art has long functioned within a radically different cosmology: one where the artist is not a solitary creator but a channel, a vessel through which communal and spiritual forces are made manifest. Artwork by i Wayan Suala This difference begins with intention. Much of what is traditionally considered “art” in Bali — from stone carvings and paintings to textiles and temple ornamentation — is created not for aesthetic contemplation, personal expression, or commercial sale, but for upacara (ceremony). These objects are ephemeral offerings to the gods, the ancestors, or the unseen world ( niskala ), and are often destroyed, buried, or allowed to decay once the ritual purpose is fulfilled. In this context, the individual artist rarely signs their work. Skills are passed down through ...
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Bali Arts Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

The Bali Arts Festival, known locally as Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB), is the island’s premier cultural event—a month-long celebration held annually from mid-June to mid-July. Established in 1979 by the late Professor Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra, then Governor of Bali, the festival was born out of a vision to preserve Balinese cultural identity amidst rapid modernization. Opened by President Soeharto, the first festival marked a turning point in the island’s artistic history. Held at the Bali Arts Center (Taman Werdhi Budaya) in Denpasar, the festival brings together artists and performers from across Bali’s regencies. It features a wide range of traditional and contemporary art forms: classical dances like Legong and Barong, captivating Kecak chants, shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit), traditional drama, gamelan music, and visual arts including painting, weaving, wood carving, and silverwork. The festival also celebrates Balinese cuisine and opens with a vibrant parade showcasing regional costumes ...
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The influence of Walter Spies

Walter Spies, a German-born painter, musician, and ethnographer, had a profound and lasting influence on the development of modern Balinese art and the global perception of Balinese culture. Arriving in Bali in 1927, Spies brought with him a background in European modernist art and a deep curiosity about the cultural and artistic traditions of Indonesia. His encounter with Bali’s richly symbolic and ceremonial world deeply inspired him, and he quickly integrated himself into local society, particularly within the royal court of Ubud. Spies' impact on Balinese art was both stylistic and structural. He encouraged Balinese artists—who had traditionally worked anonymously and within strict religious or ritual frameworks—to explore more personal, expressive, and secular themes. This marked a major shift in Balinese visual culture. Spies introduced techniques such as perspective, shading, and individual composition, blending Western visual concepts with Balinese iconography. He did not ...
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Tangi Street Art Festival

Tangi Street Art Festival Returns to Bali with Bold Colors and Global Vision This May, the Tangi Street Art Festival returns to Desa Guwang, Bali, for its third edition, transforming the village into a vibrant open-air gallery from May 11–17, 2025. Organized by Yayasan Kolaborasi Dunia Tangi, the festival unites local and international artists in a celebration of street art, inspired by the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—the harmony between people, nature, and the divine. Featuring nine acclaimed artists from Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, the festival not only showcases stunning murals but also fosters dialogue and cultural exchange. Highlights include hands-on children’s workshops in partnership with the Blue Karma Children Foundation and the launch of Colour Connect—a cross-cultural mural initiative linking artists worldwide. The opening ceremony at Tegal Temu Space kicks off a week of creativity, culminating in a lively closing night of film, music, an...
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Kartini Day

Raden Adjeng Kartini was a pioneering Indonesian national heroine known for her dedication to women's rights and education. Born on April 21, 1879, in Jepara, Java, Kartini came from an aristocratic Javanese family, which allowed her access to education. Despite societal restrictions, she developed a strong interest in learning and championed the emancipation of women. Through her letters, later published as Letters of a Javanese Princess, Kartini voiced her progressive thoughts on gender equality, education, and social reform. Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations and commemorated annually on Kartini Day in Indonesia. She remains a symbol of female empowerment and progress.
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Women Artist of Indonesia

Bali, the Indonesian island renowned for its vibrant arts and culture, has a rich tradition of painting, sculpture, and performing arts. While Balinese art has long been dominated by male artists, several talented female artists have broken barriers and gained recognition for their unique contributions. Here are some of the most famous female artists from Bali who have made a significant impact on the art scene. I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih (Murni) (1966–2006) One of Bali’s most celebrated female artists, I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, known simply as Murni, was an unconventional painter whose works explored deeply personal and often taboo themes. Born in Tabanan, Bali, Murni had no formal art training but was heavily influenced by her mentor, I Dewa Putu Mokoh, a renowned artist from Ubud. Murni’s art stood out for its surreal and provocative depictions of sexuality, trauma, and womanhood. She often painted distorted figures, dreamlike imagery, and autobiographical elements that reflecte...
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