Art work in Bali is an essential part of Balinese culture. The viscosity of historical, religion, and cultural journey in Bali give the richness and depth to Balinese art. That figures why so many art enthusiasts consider Bali as the ultimate go-to destination to get the most artistic experience. Balinese painting is one of the arts that most admired in Bali. They are known for their various styles and artistic themes that aren’t only bound to canvas, but also to the surface of eggshells or seashells. If you looking for Balinese paintings, Ubud is the perfect place to start. The myriads of galleries and painting pieces displayed to give a memorable and mind-blowing shopping experience. The Balinese paintings can be classified into classic paintings and modern paintings.
Classical Balinese Paintings
Way before the western artists came to the island, the classical Balinese painting started in Klungkung. They were known as Kamasan style after a village in Klungkung. There are two places where you can learn the classic Balinese paintings in Klungkung. The first one is from the canopy of the Hall of Justice in Kerta Gosa, where it is painted with scenes from stories of Tantri and Panji, painted by Kamasan artists and it can only be restored by Kamasan artists today. The second place to enjoy classical Balinese paintings is on Gunarsa Museum in Banda Villag, Klungkung, which displayed private collections of Klungkung painter Nyoman Gunarsa.
Modern Balinese Paintings
Modern Balinese paintings emerged after Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet, Aria Smit, and Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur give en European spin to the classic Balinese painting styles. The theme of the paintings mostly depicted scenes of Bali’s beauties from the eyes of travellers like Bali’s natural landscapes, the Balinese traditions, or agrarian and fishing activities. That is why some modern Balinese paintings named after their area of origins, like Ubud and Batuan as rural rice fields.
Those are two types of Balinese paintings. Shopping for Balinese paintings can be a memorable experience, especially for the art enthusiasts. In Ubud Art Market, you can find myriads of astonishing Balinese paintings. Gama Painting is one of the art galleries in Ubud that utmost appreciates the fine art painting, which you must visit.