Amadea Supports Balinese Classic Style Painting

Amadea Resort & Villas is delighted to announce that it will be hosting an exhibition of Pengosekan style paintings this September by a young Balinese artist, Gede Darmawan. This month-long event will take place in the resort’s Lobby Lounge in an effort to revive interest in this nature-inspired genre of local artistry.

Prior to the 1930’s, Bali’s Hindu religion dominated all art on the island and most paintings depicted temples, ceremonies and symbols of spirituality. However, the arrival of foreign artists such as Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet and Arie Smit had a significant influence on Bali’s art scene. Each area soon developed its own unique style and local painters were encouraged look further than religion for inspiration.  

The Pengosekan style is named after the village where it originated in the 1960’s. Pengosekan is located some five minutes south of central Ubud, which is touted as the heart of Balinese art and culture. The painting style in this area concentrates solely on natural components such as birds, insects and flowering plants that fill the whole canvas. Each piece initially starts out with a black outline and earthy shades of colour are later added. 

Unfortunately, Bali’s Pengosekan style of painting is now under threat as today’s younger generation prefer to adapt their talents to more modern and profitable styles of art. Concerned about this looming cultural loss, Amadea Resort & Villas has taken it upon itself to help preserve this form of local artistry with an exhibition.

Amadea will also be giving the artist, Gede Darwawan, a small grant to set up a studio and learning centre in his village. Gede plans to teach local children how to paint and nurture their creative talents with regular art classes. This community-based initiative will hopefully safeguard the existence of the Pegosekan style for many more years to come.  

“I first learnt this classic style of painting from my grandfather when I was 7 years of age. After a while I discovered that a modern style gave me greater freedom to express myself as an artist and this was also more accepted by tourists. The year 2011 was a turning point when I realized that I could help make the Pengosekan style more relevant. So I began combining this traditional Balinese style with modern techniques by infusing other subject matters into my works. I would like to thank Amadea for this amazing opportunity and I am truly motivated to pass on this timeless style to future generations,” says Gede Darmawan. 

Dewa Ketut Wirawan, Amadea’s Human Resources Coordinator and Project Leader for the exhibition, adds, “Bali’s tourism industry is influenced by the island’s unique cultural heritage with art being one of its main pillars. It is disheartening that our young generation are losing interest in this classic painting style and we wanted to play a role in giving it a new lease of life. At the same time we are enthusiastic about enlightening our guests about Balinese artistry through this exhibition.”

Exhibition is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Visitors will be welcome to come and appreciate a selection of paintings from 1st to 30th September 2014 and each piece is available for sale.