Dealing with the Painting
Dealing with the painting in Bali is not a simple matter, if you a beginner in this area, your best choice is to acquire a paper booklet on painting. If you are seriously interested in purchasing a high quality painting you have to seek an advice from the expert. You can go to the Neka gallery, Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) or Rudana Art Gallery and have a chat with its director or the senior staffs of those galleries. They will give you significant information on Balinese painting; they are treasure box of information about the Balinese painting. It is better for you to go to a gallery in order to find a fine quality genuine Balinese painting.
If you want to buy a classic Balinese painting, it is better for you to go to Kamasan village in Klungkung regency. Kamasan, a quiet, traditional village, 45 km east of Denpasar is the origin of Kamasan style of classical painting. Several artists have workshops and small showrooms along the main streets. The work is often a family affair, with one person doing outlines, while another mixes the paints and another applies the colors. The paintings depict traditional stories or Balinese calendars, and although they are sold in souvenir shops all over Bali, the quality is better here. Look for smooth and distinct line work, evenly applied colors and balance in the overall composition.
If you want to get more information on classical Balinese painting, make a visit to I Nyoman Mandra’s house. He set up a sanggar or traditional school in which young people would be able to learn the basis of Kamasan style painting. His pupils have gone on to win prizes in Bali-wide festivals, and to have students of their own. He has received many government honors, including from Megawati Sukarnoputri when she was President. The school is also the center of other arts, including a thriving gamelan. He will gladly provide you with valuable information on Kamasan painting.
If you have some time to spend, you can take a short course of painting a classical Balinese traditional painting. Modern artists such as Made Wianta have gone to him to study the roots of Balinese art.
And finally if you want to get a cheap Balinese painting, the best place is none other than Sukawati Art Market. It is the biggest art market in Bali where you can find all art handicraft products of Bali including paintings. Due to the tight competition, the prices all art and craft products in this art market are very reasonable
Bookmark this at
Loading ...