The Spirit of Bali

By Benjamen Judd

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Unfortunately, when people think of Bali they tend to think of hedonistic getaways. What they tend to forget is that this is an island with a rich history as a spiritual oasis that was considered a land blessed by their local gods. This fascinating spiritual history is the theme of the latest exhibition, Bali: Island of The Gods, to show at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, running from June 13 until August 3.

Australian’s have long had a love affair with the island of Bali. For many it’s a tropical destination for the pursuit of pure leisure. And for others, it’s a tranquil retreat where the inner batteries can be recharged. But it is the same element that attracts both – a lush, primal beauty that overwhelms the senses. The only large and vibrant Hindu community surviving outside India, Bali epitomises the colourful and creative impulses associated with the rich cycle of Hindu festivals, communal celebrations and daily domestic worship. The wide range of works—sculpture, textiles, paintings, architectural elements and ritual objects—in the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibition of Balinese art will excite and surprise visitors, even those who have journeyed to the exotic island.

Balinese fabric traditions are rich and varied, readily demonstrated in the examples drawn from the National Gallery of Australia’s world famous collection of Indonesian textiles. Among the most admired are the geringsing, created only in one village in east Bali. Through double ikat, the most complex of techniques, both the warp and the weft threads are separately tied into the designs, which only become evident when interlaced during the weaving process.

The Balinese sculptures in the exhibition are brilliantly painted and range from overtly Hindu images, such as the god Vishnu mounted on his vehicle the giant Garuda bird, to ferocious guardian creatures whose destructive powers balance the benevolence of other deities to maintain cosmic order. Often composed of elements of real animals, birds and fish, such demonic creatures feature bulging eyes, menacing fangs and dangerous claws.

Drawn entirely from the Gallery’s important and diverse collection of Balinese art, the Bali: island of the Gods exhibition will be accompanied by an informative illustrated catalogue.

Bali: Island of the Gods will show at the National Gallery of Australia starting on June 13 and will run until August 3.