The Art And Culture Of Bali

The island of Bali has always held a unique attraction for travelers, whose numbers increase yearly. Part of the island's appeal lies in its rich folk art, which has deep religious motivation. This magnificently-illustrated volume explicates the social, religious, and philosophic concepts that dominate the lives of the Balinese and find expression in their paintings, temples, ritual offerings, music, dance, and dramatic arts.

Featuring hundreds of full-color photographs, paintings, figurines, crafts, and furniture Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance is an exploration of the very best Balinese culture has to offer. For nearly a century, mention of Bali has evoked images of a tropical paradise. But it is not only the beauty of the island that has attracted artists, dancers, celebrities and scholars. Bali is also famed for its vibrant performance and ritual arts traditions. Although the island is so small it can be circled in a day, it is home to more than 20,000 temples, and each of these produces annual festivals. Where ritual is such a part of daily life, one cannot draw clear lines between the secular and the religious arts. Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance presents a holistic view of the ways that art, ritual, and performance interrelate within the seamless fabric of Balinese life.

An Artist's Journey to Bali is much more than your usual travel guide to the beautiful and mysterious Indonesian island of Bali. Written and illustrated by renowned artist Betty Reynolds, this Bali travel guide contains the author's original watercolor art depicting the wonderful island whose inhabitants are known to adhere to daily rituals that, although unfamiliar to foreigners, give the island and its people a distinct aura of mystery and magic. In this beautifully illustrated artist's sketchbook, the author shares her good fortune of meeting many Balinese who allowed her to witness important aspects of their lives and culture, and to participate in the religious rituals that mark their passage through the major stages of life. If Bali travel is in your future, this is a great book to have. It takes you right into the Balinese culture, exploring Balinese art, unveiling the traditions and spirituality in that part of the world. Take a rare journey to a beautiful place, as Betty invites you to experience it with An Artist's Journey to Bali.

Balinese Art is the first comprehensive survey of Balinese painting from its origins in the traditional Balinese village to its present position at the forefront of the high-priced Asian art scene. Balinese art has been popular and widely collected around the world for many decades. In fact, the contemporary painter who commands the highest prices in Southeast Asia's hot art market is Bali-born Nyoman Masriadi (1973-). This book demonstrates that his work draws on a long and deeply-rooted tradition of the Bali art scene. Balinese painting has deep local roots and has followed its own distinctive trajectory, yet has been heavily influenced by outsiders. Indian artistic and religious traditions were introduced to Bali over a thousand years ago through the prism of ancient Javanese culture. Beyond the world of Indonesian art, Balinese artists and craftsmen have also interacted with other Asian artists, particularly those of China, and later Western artists. From these sources, an aesthetic tradition developed that depicts stories from the ancient Indian epics as well as themes from Javanese mythology and the religious and communal life of the Balinese themselves. Starting with a discussion of the island's aesthetic traditions and how Balinese art should be viewed and understood, this book goes on to present pre-colonial painting traditions, some of which are still practiced in the village of Kamasan--the home of "classical" Balinese art. However, the main focus is the development of new styles starting in the 1930s and how these gradually evolved in response to the tourist industry that has come to dominate the island. Balinese Art acquaints readers with the masterpieces and master artists of Bali, and the final chapter presents the most important artists who are active today and serves as an introduction to their work.

The Folk Art of Bali focuses on the Balinese narrative tradition as represented in classic painting, in shadow puppets, in painting on glass, and in embroideries. This tradition includes the Ramayana and the Mahabharata epics, Tantri stories, Jataka tales, and folklore. Most of the folk art depictions in this book have never been reproduced before. They demonstrate the aesthetic attraction, high skill, great diversity, and sacred significance of art in the past and present cultural life of Bali.

Discover the richness and beauty of Bali's many performing art forms. This book is a lavishly illustrated introduction to the most popular forms of traditional performing arts in Bali--among the most intricate and spectacular musical and theatrical performances found anywhere. Ideal reading for visitors to the island, as well as anyone interested in Balinese culture, this book presents the history and form of each performance--with 250 watercolor illustrations and full-color photos to aid in identification. Introductory sections discuss how the performing arts are learned in Bali and the basic religious and cultural tenets expressed through the arts. Subsequent chapters describe each form, including Gamelan Gong Keybar, Gambuh, Legong Keraton, Baris, Wayang Kulit and many more! Chapters include: What is Gamelan? Women in Non-Traditional Roles The Stories in Balinese Theatre Sacred and Ceremonial Dances And many more! Expert authors I Wayan Dibya and Rucina Ballinger discuss how the performing arts in Bali are passed from one generation to the next and the traditional values these performances convey, as well as their place within religious celebrations and how and when the performances are staged. In addition to including a bibliography and discography, the book is enhanced with over 200 stunning photographs and specially-commissioned watercolor illustrations from artist Barbara Anello.

Traditional sacred paintings for family and village temples have been produced in many parts of Bali. Sacred painting, like Balinese temple sculpture, wayang, dance and music, is a living, vibrant folk art. This is an important contribution on the folk art of Bali. From the distant past to the present day, traditional sacred paintings for family and village temples have been produced in many parts of Bali. Sacred painting, like Balinese temple sculpture, wayang, dance and music, is a living, vibrant folk art. Unlike Balinese commercial art, sacred paintings,