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| October 02, 2007 |
| Arts & Crafts |
#3 ranked travel attraction in Bali
 Why the arts and crafts of Bali are special
On a per capita basis, Bali probably has the most accomplished artists & craftsmen in the world. To the Balinese, personal artistic achievement is part of the religious experience.
Painting of Bali
For centuries the international art world paid little heed to the talented Balinese painters, who focused on traditional motifs geared for Bali's temples and religious ceremonies.
Then, in the late 1920s several expatriate European artists (including the now renowned Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet) successfully taught and encouraged some Balinese artists to become more modern and daring by capturing scenes of everyday Bali life and landscapes. Today, this work is globally recognized as fine art.
Bali's painting capital is Ubud village, followed by the villages of Batuan and Samasan. The first is more eclectic and contemporary in style while the latter two specialize in Bali's traditional Wayan style.
The best way to introduce yourself to Balinese paintings is by visiting the Neka Museum and other leading art institutions (click the "top runners-up" button for their capsule descriptions).
Wood sculptures of Bali
Mas village is clearly Bali's wood carving center.
Its artists create refined Balinese sculptures depicting Hindu-epic Ramayana characters, ordinary people and various animals (the Njana Tilem Gallery is generally regarded as Bali's finest artistic producer).
Mas is also unrivaled in carving the colorful Balinese wood masks (see photo) worn by classical dancers.
Stone sculptures of Bali
Batubulan village is Bali's stone-carving heart.
Most works are of deities and other Balinese temple themed objects.
Many artisans also cater to tourists by sculpting everyday Balinese subjects, real and whimsical.
Gold & silver jewelry of Bali
Celuk village (near Batubulan) is Bali's gold- and silver-smithing epicenter.
Intricate earrings, necklaces, bracelets and broaches are popular items with Bali tourists.
Batiks from Java and Bali
A batik is a fabric richly decorated using a special dying technique.
Many are used as sarongs.
Although virtually all the "Bali batik sarongs" sold to the tourists and Balinese are made in Java, Bali does produce in small quantities some exceptionally fine hand-made batiks, including the rare double itak from the walled village of Tenganan (near Candi Dasa). A single cloth can take years to finish.
Other arts & crafts of Bali
Balinese design and construct colorful kites in unusual forms such as mythical birds and four-masted ships (yes, they fly). Some Balinese kites are as big and wide as a car.
Other Balinese artistic endeavors include the making of ceramics, furniture and shadow puppets.
Observing the Balinese artists and craftsmen
Many studios, galleries and factories openly invite tourists to view their Balinese artisans in action -- and to browse the displayed finished goods with no obligation to buy.Labels: Bali Top 10 |
posted by Admin @ 1:57 AM  |
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