| While clearly a modern rather
than traditional painter, the Balinese autodidact, Ida Bagus
Indra, is a true independent. Born into a prosperous high
caste family he was expected to join the family enterprise
after graduation. On attempting to fulfill his filial duties,
in the end he surrendered to his irrepressible creativity.
A prolific and mercurial artist, he has already at a
young age explored a diverse number of styles reflecting
his inquisitive nature. Success and maturity have certainly
not slowed his pace; his recent work is far more focused.
In this exhibition entitled Women and Children, Ida Bagus
Indra returns to two of his favorite themes. As in all
his work, he approaches them from an emotional rather
than intellectual perspective. His children are wondrous
beings – amusing, cute, naughty, spoiled and at
times angelic. In comparison his depictions of women in
their many roles – mothers, objects of desire and
manifestations of Ibu Pertiwi, the Earth Goddess –
is complex and ambivalent. The juxtaposition of these
two related but distinct themes not only creates a thought
provoking suspension but also a subtle form of social
commentary that provokes the viewer to review personal
attitudes and stereotypes.
Like his home, Bali, Ida Bagus Indra, stands at an important
crossroads as both face a complex new world. With artists
with the insight of Ida Bagus Indra we can rest assured
that both will rise to the challenges.
The Exhibition opens July 6 at The Ganesha Gallery, Four
Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran and runs till the end of
the month. 10am to 6pm.
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