(11/26/2006)
In possession of a unique artistic vision, up-and-coming Balinese artist, Ida Bagus Indra passes through various "thematic periods" reflected in the art produced along the way. Some, like his paintings of children mimicking adults, are striking for their beauty but also for their good natured social criticism of contemporary Balinese society in transition.
In his latest exhibition - "Sweet Coffee" Indra's view of the world is far more ambiguous as he explores the nighttime world of the simple warung and cafes that dominate Balinese village life. Excelling in the rendering of moonlight and oil lamps, Indra shows us a side of life rarely seen as young Balinese girls and boys flirt on hard wooden benches or engage in gossip. Women, with mask-like faces painted white with luscious red lips dominate Indra's paintings with men sitting in the shadows like anonymous voyeurs.
Like many artists before him, Indra is attracted to the sensual undercurrents of his theme, while at the same time repelled by some of its implications and associations. This is best demonstrated in "Low Cost Perfume & Gasoline", a thought provoking and appropriate title for Indra's painting of a pretty village girl in a red kebaya squatting on an earthen floor as she lights a petrol stove.
One can speculate that Indra, influenced by the Hindu belief that all things, including beauty and youth, must fade and perish and he therefore wishes to distance himself from these temptations. While the question or morality may weigh heavily on his mind, in the meantime we are able to view the creations produced along the progress of the career of one of Bali's most talented young artists.
"Sweet Coffee" - an exhibition of art by Ida Bagus Indra at the Ganesha Gallery at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay from December 6, 2006 through January 5, 2007. The Exhibition is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m..
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