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From BASAbaliWiki
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The Dancer. When a Dance carries such a monumental heritage, its substance is often disconnected from a much larger audience. Those who study the culture and its arts and are dancers themselves have a deeper well of understanding of the art. Perhaps relating to the dancer is a good way to appreciate the dance. A human element that we can all understand. +
'Lost Signal' is part of Photography Series of the same name by Dewi Dian Reich. Writer, artist and photographer.
"My Grandfather speaks and walks these streets. He use to hold my hand,
My Grandfather is ageless, his vision sharp and wisdom deep,
Where is our playground? Why does he stumble?
Is it my eyes that are careless of the nails and broken glass that would cut his feet? Or my ears that mute out his voice?
Did you not know there are sharp nails and broken glass that would cut his naked feet? +
Portrait of Artist Sujana Suklu in the studio drawing on novel. Exploring one of the Three Rooms of Art. Art by Interaction.
Art by Interaction refers to a process touched by interactivity or collaboration. It is worthwhile to note the differences between interaction and collaboration are different. A collaborative process suggests mutual agreement, whilst interactions may occur within an art process that is not deliberate. All collaborations are interactions, yet not all interactions are collaborations. +
The Living Masks of Bali is our series that explores and celebrates Balinese traditional masks. We return today with a close-up look at Topeng Tua, the Old Mask. A conversation with Dancer and Mask Maker Kadek Sudiasa of Mas Ubud. A series of portraits of Topeng Tua. Accompanied by a conversation with Kadek Sudiasa, who explores his relationship and memories with Topeng Tua. As a dancer and as a mask maker. +
Portrait of contemporary artist Wayan Suastama by Dewi Dian Reich. Environmental portraiture, in an unstaged environment. Naturally depicting the artists studio workshop. Taken in early 2023 whilst cataloguing the artists works.
'Through the creative process, you learn to have honest conversations with yourself. That leads inevitably to peace in your life. That’s a gift of positivity.' ~ Wayan Suastama +
Social and Culture represented to discuss some of the issues that are affecting the longevity and authenticity of traditional practices in Bali today. Issues such as commercialisation of art and culture and its potential impacts on generations from today.
"It is not the lack of change that we should admire here. For there is definitely change. it would be foolish to deny that. It is the effort and the collective commitment that has survived even to this degree the ravaging changes that time and progress has brought everywhere else. I admire the fact that there is evidence that change may come, but there is still choice." +
Getting to know the Sacred Masks of Bali, through the perspectives of the artists whose lives are intimately intertwined. The character of the 'Hard Mask' and a Mask Makers' and dancers experiences with it.. excerpt from article..
"Topeng Keras is one of 5 characters that appear in the Topeng Babad Ceremonial Dance (refer to ‘Topeng Babad Today‘). Amongst these are Topeng Ratu (the Kings’ Mask) Topeng Tua (Old Mask) Topeng Sidakarya (Sidakarya Mask) Topeng Bondres (Common Peoples’ Mask). Kadek explains that according to the rules of mask making in Bali, the first mask is Topeng Keras. Topeng Keras is a ‘Patih’ (Minister of the King) The word Patih or Pepatih is a regent title that was traditionally used among Austronesian polities of insular Southeast Asia. In the first place, it denoted the chief minister of a kingdom or a traditional regency. The word originates from the Sanskrit word Patih meaning maintainer, master or guide." +
'Dance is an ancient art that is intrinsic to Balis’ creative spirit. One of the many forms of worship its people offer to the Creator. This is something we have in common with many cultures across the world. Forms of traditional dance are a natural and perhaps inevitable manifestation of human creativity. Modelled and tempered to embody our thoughts and philosophies.'
Looking at the rich heritage in traditional Balinese dance whilst discussing the impacts caused by a primarily commercial audience. Writing an article is one part, but it would not be possible without the full-hearted contributions of those who give fully to a collaboration for this type of project. Sri Apriani shares her experiences and performs the Tari Condong in Sawidji Studio whilst being a muse for a series of portraits by Dewi Dian Reich Exploring faces behind the dance. +
It is believed that the Barong Landung is the manifestation of a royal couple, the King Jayapangus and his Chinese Consort Kang Cing Wie.
The story goes, that the royal couple were deeply in love but after many years had not been blessed with children. In need of a successor, the King went to Mount Batur to meditate and seek guidance. As he meditated there he met and took as his second wife the Dewi Danu. The daughter of the Goddess of Lake Batur. It is after this second marriage that conflict continued to haunt the family of the King Jayapangus. In summary, The Goddess of the Lake, angry to see her daughter hurt and betrayed. Because of this She destroyed King Jayapangus and his first wife Kang Cing Wie.
Read related articles at www.sawidji.com +
Cappucino and Croissants, 2023
Dewi Dian Reich
Fine Art Giclee Print
60cm x 100cm
Cappucino and Croissants is part of a series that take Topeng Tua across different social and urban landscapes. There are references here to traditional identity, suggested tones of displacement and estrangement. The layers of meaning we can unravel here to reflect upon is truly open ended. You may even find humor here. +
Portrait of artist Aryani Willems by Dewi Dian Reich, Sawidji Art and Photography. Taken in June 2023. +
Reflecting on the nature of Time and our relationship to the Earth and Spirit through a conceptual journey. Ref exhibition guide
https://sawidji.com/2022/12/13/kala-and-the-guardians-a-timely-reflection/
Kala is known to come with many definitions. Among these are time, death, performing arts, and specific deities in Hinduism, Javanese and Balinese mythologies. Yet, despite the many origin stories, there is a connecting thread that Kala is all of those manifestations. However, in this Collaboration, Kala is our canvas. Here Kala is defined specifically through her manifestation as TIME.
Kala is experienced through the conceptual portraits of the two Guardians representing our Earthly World and our Spiritual World. The portraits of the Guardians of Earth and Spirit were created through a combination of installations and the photography of Dewi Dian and ManButur Suantara. The paintings of Nyoman Handi respond to the questions and reflections raised by the Guardian portraits. +
Nungkalik International Art Festival
Art Festival debuting in 2023 by Institute of Art Denpasar, founded on themes discussed by Dr. Sujana Suklu. Featuring Artists Bambang Herras, Agung Gunawan, Martina Feirtag, Diwarupa, Made Kaek, Putu Bonuz Sudiana, Robert Martin, Galung Wiratmaja, Steve Bolton, Dewi Dian Reich, Ketut Sumerjana and Dr. Mas Ruscitadewi.
Nungkalik International Art Festival. An introduction to a contemporary art festival debuting this year in Bali that is in its early stages already showing signs of extraordinary possibilities. In nature Nungkalik is bold, experimental and conceptual. Centred on the idea offered by artist and lecturer Dr. Sujana Suklu that artists on a daily basis are subconsciously learning a universal intuitiveness whilst responding to the world throughout their lives.
That is to say, whether through their movements, musical or visual expressions as well as verbal interactions. Their bodies and memories compile experiences that keep developing and transforming with each day that passes. Their sensitivity to phenomena that occurs outside of themselves inevitably gets stronger and becomes a substantive sensitivity in their respective internal worlds. We may say this transforms into an instinctive sensitivity that does not require conscious deliberation when external elements circle close to their internal world.
The Premise of Nungkalik Art Festival
Artists are invited to participate in this experimental study, from different backgrounds, geographic locations as well as varying creative disciplines. Throughout the festival, community members with specialty areas in sociology, psychology, education and music were also invited to participate and observe. The global theme for the Nungkalik International Art Festival 2023 was introduced as ‘Exploring Archetypes’ with specific explorations on associated concepts during each workshop day.
Participating artists were involved in these workshops together with members of the Fine Arts and Performance Arts student body. Our day beginning with a discussion circle. Together exchanging thoughts and ideas about the proposed themes and the significance of the chosen mediums. Within these discussions, it is interesting how very naturally, abstract ideas and concepts were articulated by all artists.
full article.. https://sawidji.com/2023/07/27/nungkalik-festival-art-and-its-sacred-paradox/
A portrait of artist Sujana Suklu in a collaboration with Dewi Dian Reich. Exploring the Three Rooms of Art. Art by Interaction in the studio.
Sujana Suklu is known as a progressive thinker of contemporary art in Bali. With a pioneering vision that reflects a universal philosophy. Sujana Suklus’ contributions are vast in scope, encompassing multi-disciplinary fields within fine arts, academic and community platforms. Suklus’ academic research explores ways to bring art methodologies into communities cultivating and preserving local wisdom whilst expanding existing skill sets. The beauty of this research is that it has been applied and is actively growing in communities today. +
Kala and the Guardians
Reflecting on the nature of Time and our relationship to the Earth and Spirit through a conceptual journey.
A collaborative exhibition with the works of Dewi Dian, ManButur Suantara, Nyoman Handi.
Kala and the Guardians conceptualise an abstract idea. The primary themes that we explore here are Kala, Earth and Spirit. In and of themselves, their nature. In addition to seeing these three entities separately, the threading of them together in this collaboration is to ask you to explore your relationship to each of these elements.
Kala, Earth and Spirit
Kala is known to come with many definitions. Among these are time, death, performing arts, and specific deities in Hinduism, Javanese and Balinese mythologies. Yet, despite the many origin stories, there is a connecting thread that Kala is all of those manifestations. However, in this Collaboration, Kala is our canvas. Here Kala is defined specifically through her manifestation as TIME. Of the three characters that we introduce, Kala is the faceless one. She is not represented as a portrait, or in a painting. Yet, she is present in them and in a significant way. That is also part of our display and exploration of Time. Part of the reflections in which Sawidji invites you to contemplate.
How different art mediums reinforce the message..
Kala is experienced through the conceptual portraits of the two Guardians representing our Earthly World and our Spiritual World. The portraits of the Guardians of Earth and Spirit were created through a combination of installations and the photography of Dewi Dian and ManButur Suantara. The paintings of Nyoman Handi respond to the questions and reflections raised by the Guardian portraits.
Collaboration, More Than Just a Word
All the mediums present in this collaboration bring very different qualities. Sawidji leads with photography. However, the photographic works are actually partners to installation pieces. Installation pieces that we created together as a team. The making of the costumes and studio installations together as a team is truly at the heart of each of our collaborations. A seed of an idea may be singular, but as it germinates and grows, all the contributing elements are what make it possible for it to flourish and blossom. Much the same for Sawidji Collaborations.
The artists that come together agree on the message. We feel the same about the message. It resonates in each of us. With this trust and agreement, we move together throughout the day and create together, the best embodiment of our concept. There is in fact a lot of freedom. A lot of room for each person to spontaneously make changes and try new things. There is no shortcut to the process. Our work is a result of going through a growth and maturing process for each concept, and this is done together.
Online Exhibition available for viewing https://sawidji.com/2022/12/13/kala-and-the-guardians-a-timely-reflection/
Portrait of Artistic Director and Visual Artist Dibal Ranuh. +
Sangeh Monkey Forest.
A Forest Memory, the Power of Memory and the Secrets of a Sacred Forest
Memory is mysterious. Memory can hold such power over us over a lifetime. It can be strong and clear or hazy and weak. Whether we see Memory or not, it is there, taking residence in the back of our minds. Shaping our perceptions, our actions and choices. Memory shapes us from very early on. This recording of our experiences. The stories that get replayed in our minds that tells us who we are. Where we come from and perhaps where we belong. +
Sawidji Comes Home is a celebration of our new home in the historic part of Plawa Denpasar, with a collection of works from our artist collective. A wonderful exposition of dynamic, multi-disciplinary creative voices.
We celebrate each individual passion, fixation, obsession, compulsion of each artist that is at the core of their creative drive. What compels them to create in this pure and selfless way. As artists we go through such a personal and intimate process, often filled with some form of struggle in the self, only to give birth to the physical form of an idea. This in itself is a wonder, a powerful seed that nourishes arts’ growth.
Exhibition Catalogue
https://sawidji.com/portfolio/sawidji-comes-home/ +
Part of a series of portraits of the Faces of Wayang Wong of Pura Taman Pule Mas Ubud. In the time before the performance begins, the intimate moments of the dancers and performers in their preparation for the enactment of the Sacred Wayang Wong.
Pura Taman Pule is a Temple in the village of Mas, Ubud in Bali. This mask dance is unique and is only performed here in this Temple. It is not performed outside of its grounds. A set of masks of the characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics are kept in the Temple.No one can say for certain where these masks originated. There are no certain records of the mask carver or how they came to be in the safekeeping of the Temple. That information perhaps has been lost as a result of conflict or war in history. +
Natures' Blossoms. An exploration of the hypothetical psychology of Nature through Portraiture as a theoretical genre. +