It was once said, "Art is a collaboration between the artist and God, and the less the artist does the better". Without word or reason, the artist moves in sync with feeling, heart and soul and creates from a source of inspiration. In the Balinese tradition, art is a revered expression of the Sacred. Artists are highly valued for their abilities to express the inexpressible and convey what can only be felt in the heart. Since its settlement and establishment by artists, both foreign and local, Ubud has remained the Art & Culture centre of Bali. The streets are lined with hundreds of art shops, many of which are prominent galleries that showcase amazing work. The majority of paintings are expressions of modern art, appealing to many tourists who appreciate the abstract beauty of colour fusion and scenes of nature.
There are many shops that showcase traditional scenes of the Balinese culture, including lifestyle scenes, ceremony and farm life, and the gathering together among people in the community. Special galleries and museums showcase the amazing works of famous artists in Bali and dedicate their showrooms to traditional Balinese art. The painting on the left entitled "Arjuna Wisaka" and painted by I Wayan Turun, is part of the private collection on display at the ARMA museum. Traditional Balinese paintings are often extremely detailed expressions of religious stories, often relating to the Hindu epics the Mahabrata and the Ramayana, that are told and performed throughout the culture. Known as "Wayan style" painting, these works express the characters from the great Hindu epics and their encounters with demons, kings, monsters and their challenge to balance the forces of good and evil. These works express that art is devotion and a true communion with God. Balinese artists are master painters and virtually any photograph or favourite image can be reproduced on canvas. Tourists are encouraged to bring or share their ideas with local artists who will often be willing to accept an opportunity to paint something for you.
Search the UbudVibe.com Directory to find art galleries!
Read more on Galleries
Bali Centre for Artistic Creativity
Biasa ArtSpace
Gaya Fusion
Hanna Artspace
The Orgon Gallery
Rio Helmi Gallery
Santra Putra Art Gallery & Guesthouse
