I Gusti Nyoman Lempad might be the one of the most talented artists ever born in Bali. He was a master craftsman, designing and building monumental gates, carving temples and palace decorations, making barong mask, cremation towers, nagabandas (papier-mache dragon for royal cremation) and above all painting. He was also well versed in old Balinese literature.

Title : The Dagger Attack On Rangda
Artist : I Gusti Nyoman Lempad
Media : Ink and tempera on papper
Size : 24 x 33 cm
Year : 1939s
Courtesy : Neka Art Museum

I Gusti Nyoman Lempad was born in Bedulu in 1862, he was multi-talented as is father who was also excellent craftsman, architect, and painter. In 1875, his talent offended his patron and fled to Peliatan then to the protection of the court in Ubud; Lempad was 13 at this time. He left behind in Bedulu an important legacy as architect and sculptor. He was an excellent sculptor who reputed in particular to have introduced the unfinished style of in stone sculpture, in this style the characters are roughly hewn and bereft of all iconographic traits.

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Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa takes great pleasure to announce that it will be hosting a month long exhibition entitled Sesari (Essence) featuring art, photography and music by members of the Bali Kangin Kauh artist group.

The idea to establish this group was conceived almost 20 years ago with the vision to generate awareness of Bali’s artistic legacy to a wider audience outside the island. Over the past two decades Bali Kangin Kauh has united creative and passionate individuals from all areas within the art community including writers, poets and cultural advocates.

This latest exhibition by the group will see key figures from Ubud’s respected royal family collaborate with a leading Balinese art connoisseur and a new generation of local artists. Esteemed owner of ARMA and dedicated collector of local fine art, Agung Rai, will publicly exhibit some of his own works for the very first time. He is joined by fellow artist, I Gusti Putu Suteja, grandson of fine art maestro I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, who has put together a display of energetic paintings that are a modern expression of his religious beliefs.

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Ubud, the art center of Bali offers many beautiful and interesting places to visit. Below are some “a must visit place” in Ubud out of dozens interesting places there.

Puri Saren Agung

Puri saren is Ubud’ s main palace, lies on the northeast comer of the town main crossroads facing the market, the exact center of Ubud, 200 m east Pura Saraswasti. This is an elegant palace with cool nuance. Puri Saren Agung is the palace of the Sukawatis dynasty, the ruling family of Ubud since late of 19th century. Visitors are free to roam in inner courtyard of the palace to see the ornate thatched Bale (traditional house), royal heirlooms, and numerous colonial-era photographs.

Pura Saraswati

Pura Saraswati is the royal temple of Ubud. Situated near the Puri Saren Agung, behind the Cafe Lotus. The temple is a masterpiece of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. The visitors can find a magnificent lotus pond, beautiful garden, numerous of beautifully carved Bale and shrines. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of learning, Dewi Saraswati.

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