Modern Art In Bali

Depcitions of Hindu epics like the Ramayana or the Mahabhrata were the hallmarks of classical Baliense art in the Kamasan or Wayang styles. Coloured dyes drawn onto rended bark fabrics, these artworks hang in galleries and museums all over the world and some can still be bought today in Bali, especially in the art galleries in Ubud.

Bali’s real art boom came early in the 21st Century with the arrival of artists from Europe, the Americas and Australia. The influence of these artists on local Balinese artists saw a shift away from religious themes and into paintings that depicted – literally or in abstract – scenes of daily or routine life in Bali.

The main focus of new Balinese art during this period – when even Charlie Chaplin visited – was on Ubud, and the smaller Bali towns of Sanur and Batuan, a centre of carving and music. The three towns soon started producing distinctive works of their own emerging styles with the Ubud artists creating agricultural, open scenes of nature and the Batuan artists created more bustling urban scenes.

Balinese woodcarving is possibly the most renowned artisan product and makes for very interesting and potentially quite valuable souvenirs and even investments. Many collectors and curators make regular trips to Bali, particularly Ubud, to purchase woodcraft to take home to their own stores and galleries. If this is your motivation to visit Bali, be sure you are aware of import laws and also, quarantine requirements since the export of any kind of natural fibre or artwork, especially in bulk or in large numbers is subject to restrictions.

Gold and silver jewelry is another good buy and some rings and brooches are intricately carved and polished up to a beautiful gleam. As always, shopping for gold or silver in Bali comes with a buyer beware caveat when it comes to gem stones and precious metals, however vendors are generally trustworthy and the metals are usually the real thing.