Monday, April 13, 2009

Balinese sculpture

One of the things that first attracted me to Bali was how full of art life is here. It is in statues, carvings, furniture, temples, fabrics, clothing, offerings and the delicious food. It is all part of an incredibly artful culture and it is everywhere you look. 

Balinese sculpture is a combination of 9th century Hindu-Buddhist style and the ancient island animistic vision and it has changed little over time. The religious and symbolic purpose of a piece determines the type and style, materials and placement. The four above happen to be a few I walk by along the beach. Humans are not the only ones who wear clothes - the Balinese clothe almost everything which possesses a head, a body and feet - buildings, shrines, altars, ancestor stones and statues. Some will be draped in black and white poleng cloth which is the symbol of polarity of positive and negative forces.

11 comments:

winna said...

The four are awesome to see-----and it must be truly fascinating learning about them..

seesue said...

Jennifer this is such a wonderful spread. The colour choices which I'm assuming come straight from your imagination really liven them up as well.

A Brush with Color said...

I like coming for my anthropological fix here in this soothing place, Jennifer, with your beautiful paintings and educating stories about exotic Bali.

Sharon said...

I like the "checkerboard" background which ties all these very interesting images together, Jennifer. You are so fortunate to have such a wealth of artistic images for your subject matter.

Carolyn said...

Very nice work. I love the combination of the ink drawings and the colors!

lyn said...

Great fun blog!!

Caroline said...

Very nice image - you've got such a lovely painting style!

Joan Gillman Smith said...

Always such a treat to see your work, Jennifer. This one is so exotic, colorful and wonderful.

laura said...

Fascinating, and beautifully drawn. I like how the checked background unites the figures in a kind of linear narrative ...

Laura Frankstone said...

Ooh, I'd be in heaven drawing these figures! You've done a fantastic job!

Margaret Ann said...

An amazing spread...As I have said before..."Bali looks good on you!"