History of Balinese Painting: From Wayang Style to the Ubud School

From traditional styles derived from shadow puppetry to modern painting influenced by Western art. Distinct styles developed in different villages.

Balinese painting is more than mere decoration; it is a 'narrative art' reflecting mythology, Cosmology, and the daily lives of the people. Its roots lie in the flat, stylized 'Kamasan style,' depicting characters from shadow puppet plays (wayang). However, a dramatic transformation occurred in the 1930s when Western artists like Walter Spies, visiting Ubud, introduced new materials, techniques, and the concept of 'individual artistic expression.' Balinese artists began vividly depicting not only divine narratives but also everyday scenes—festivals, markets, rice paddies—with vibrant colors and free compositions. This evolution led to diverse styles, such as the Ubud school and the Batuan school, developing unique characteristics in different villages, symbolizing the richness and dynamism of Balinese culture.

Kamasan style: The Traditional Form Depicting Mythology

The most classical style of Balinese painting originated in Kamasan village, under the Klungkung kingdom. Characterized by its flat, decorative depiction of figures resembling those from Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry), it's often called the 'Wayang style.' Narrative scenes are densely packed onto cloth or wooden panels, much like a scroll painting. Subjects are primarily drawn from the two great Hindu epics, the 'Ramayana' and the 'Mahabharata.' These paintings traditionally adorned temples and palaces, serving to educate the populace about religious teachings. Pigments were limited to traditional materials derived from minerals and plants, typically red, black, yellow, blue, and white. This style forms the foundation of all Balinese painting, and its spirit continues to influence contemporary artists.

Encounter with the West and the Birth of the 'Ubud School'

The presence of Western artists in Ubud during the 1920s and 30s, notably German painter Walter Spies and Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet, revolutionized Balinese painting. They provided Balinese artists with Western materials like canvas and paints and introduced techniques such as perspective and chiaroscuro (shading). Crucially, they did not impose Western imitation but respected Balinese themes and sensibilities, encouraging artists to freely express what they saw and felt. This interaction gave rise to the 'Ubud School,' a new style depicting the vibrant daily life of Bali—festivals, market scenes, lush nature—alongside religious subjects. In 1936, the 'Pita Maha' artists' cooperative was founded, helping Balinese painting gain international recognition.

Distinct Village Styles: Batuan and Sanur Schools

Western influence spread beyond Ubud, leading other villages to develop their own unique painting styles. The 'Batuan School,' south of Ubud, is particularly distinctive. In contrast to the bright palette of the Ubud School, Batuan paintings feature darker tones and intricate details, filling the entire canvas with densely packed figures, animals, and spiritual beings. Their works often possess a mystical, somewhat eerie atmosphere. Meanwhile, the coastal 'Sanur School' is known for its stylized, elongated figures and idyllic scenes, often featuring marine life. The emergence of distinct themes and expressive methods in each village underscores the depth of Balinese painting. Exploring these different village styles offers another fascinating way to appreciate Balinese art.

Overview

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