Bahasa IndonesiaA Solo Exhibition by I Wayan Aris Sarmanta
TiTian Art Space, 13 May – 15 July 2017
I Wayan Aris Sarmanta (b. 1995) was the youngest finalist in the 2017 TiTian Prize. REBIRTH present his solo debut. It celebrates the newest chapter within the Batuan School traditional since its major shift in 1930s.
Nine of his latest work are on exhibit and unequivocally demonstrate the new path he has undertaken since his first major group exhibition in 2013 at the Museum Puri Lukisan. He was trained by his paternal grandfather, I Wayan Regug (d.2017), in traditional Batuan technique. While maintaining this style, he has injected elements of social and political change around him. There works serve as a new branch sprouting from the well-rooted Banyan tree of the Batuan painting tradition.
Bali Not For Sale – is a parody of current events and realization that despite the significant progress that has been made to establish Bali as the premium site for cultural and spiritual tourism, this progress has taken a tremendous toll on the local community and environment Aris expresses this dichotomy and young Baris war dancer in agony, his face red with anger. The Baris dancer cries in sadness and hopelessness.
Tapak Dara – A plus sign is a Hindu symbol of the spirit of Unity. It is also a symbol for equilibrium, eternity and sustainability. Aris reminds us that the founding fathers of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) have laid out four pillars for maintaining unity despite the vastness of diversity within Indonesia.