Sketching a Nation—Urban Sketchers Bali at 13

Urban Sketchers Bali marks its 13th anniversary with an expansive exhibition that celebrates sketching as both an art form and a method of witnessing daily life. Featuring 111 artists, the show brings together 331 sketches, 90 sketchbooks, and 19 international sketchbook pedestals responding to the theme Sketsa Nusantara. These works portray Indonesia in all its contrasts—Jakarta’s relentless bustle, Ubud’s meditative quiet, the textures of street food stalls, the elegance of fine dining, and the coexistence of slums and elite spaces.

The exhibition intentionally presents sketches without frames, preserving the immediacy and authenticity that define the Urban Sketchers ethos. Each work is a direct response to a moment, a place, and a lived experience, forming a collective journal of Indonesia’s diverse urban and cultural landscape.

Urban Sketching has evolved from centuries of human mark-making, transforming the sketch from a preparatory tool into a complete artwork. This anniversary showcase highlights that evolution while honouring the spirit of the movement: “See the world one drawing at a time.”

Together, these artworks offer an intimate, multifaceted portrait of Indonesia—reminding viewers that every ordinary moment contains a story worth preserving.

Written by: Gede Austana

Photo Credit: Gede Austana

Citra Anindyto “Rally” makes his Bali debut with Good Karma

Citra Anindyto “Rally” solo exhibition: Good Karma Photo: Hannah Brigitta On May 24 2024, The Hava Ubud hosted the opening of the 4th solo exhibition of the artist, Rally. Born in Yogya and now living and working in Bali, Citra Anindyto also known as “Rally” showcased 23 artworks in this show titled “Good Karma”. Displayed over 2 floors across the Hotel Lobby and Event Room, the works are vibrant examples of signature “aura” painting technique, each accompanied by an individual narrative which expresses the artist's ideals and strong spirituality. The opening ceremony was attended by well-known Balinese artist, Made Djirna, who delivered a welcoming speech as well as being presented an original painting from Rally. Ms T. Cilik Pamungkas, the event curator, delivered a speech acknowledging Rally’s dedication as an artist and aura painter. Citra Anindyto “Rally” with her aura painting titled “Winner” Photo: Hannah Brigitta Rally began painting people's auras in 2007 after being ...

Citra Anindyto “Rally” melakukan debutnya di Bali dengan Good Karma

Pameran tunggal Citra Anindyto “Rally”: Good Karma Foto: Hannah Brigitta Pada 24 Mei 2024, The Hava Ubud menjadi tuan rumah dari pembukaan pameran tunggal ke-4 dari sang seniman, Rally. Lahir di Yogya dan kini tinggal dan bekerja di Bali, Citra Anindyto yang akrab disapa “Rally” menampilkan 23 karya dalam pameran yang bertajuk “Karma Baik”. Dipamerkan di 2 lantai di Lobi Hotel dan Ruang Acara, karya-karya tersebut merupakan contoh nyata dari teknik melukis “aura” yang khas, masing-masing disertai dengan narasi individual yang mengekspresikan cita-cita dan spiritualitas yang kuat dari sang seniman. Pembukaan acara ini dihadiri oleh seniman ternama Bali, Made Djirna, yang memberikan sambutan sekaligus dipersembahkan lukisan orisinal dari Rally. T. Cilik Pamungkas, kurator acara, menyampaikan pidato pengakuan atas dedikasi Rally sebagai seniman dan pelukis aura. Citra Anindyto “Rally” dengan lukisan auranya yang berjudul “Winner” Foto: Hannah Brigitta Rally mulai melukis aura-aura orang p...

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...

Art in Bali

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