Hailed as one of the most important young artists to watch out for, Putu Sutawijayas canvases are highly charged with the energy, or qi, that is suggestive of Chinese calligraphy masters. While Chinese calligraphy influences his technique, his subject matter captures the essence of Balinese religious and tribal rituals. The visual impact of his canvases is explosive yet contemplative. They reflect the mutual desire for harmony in order and chaos, a oneness with the universe. Man as the centrifugal figure in paintings is distinctively Sutawijayaand continues to be prominent in his works.
Read MorePutu Sutawijaya’s works are part of Gajah Gallery’s permanent collection.
Putu Sutawijaya draws his inspirations from the various Balinese religious rituals. He is especially fascinated with the way communion takes place, where spiritual enlightenment is attained through trance, intoxication and even violence.
Movement, energy and trance are the three most powerful stimuli in his canvases. The movements and stance of the kecak dance are symbolic of the Great Gods (sanghyang). The kechak dance is an intense spiritual dance by a large group of people.
A mental and spiritual climax is reached when the soul suddenly rises to a level of experience much more profound than daily consciousness. At that moment appears a peak of self confidence and extraordinary bliss like a trance, followed by enlightenment. Out of these are born paintings of such intense expression that they reach the farthest limits of universal concepts.
The dance of Sanghyang Jaran, is charged with fiery spirit as the dancer performs on top of burning coal.
Text courtesy Gajah Gallery.
