Fairly Traded Art

Bali Art

Bali has always had a rich cultural & artistic diversity, and instantly upon treading its beautiful shores it’s easy to see how inspiring a place it is – but art is such a way of life for the Balinese, that there is no separate word for “Art” or “Artist” in Balinese!

Indeed, Bali art is so ingrained in the Balinese people that one person may not only be a respected painter, but also woodcarver, architect, actor, musician, dancer & puppeteer in their own right!
There is an overwhelming desire to make things look attractive in Bali – and to make charming and beautiful things – many believe this natural instinct stems not only from the wondrously dramatic surroundings, but also the traditional role of villagers in the unquestionable honouring of their Gods & Raja’s with striking buildings and objects.

In the 1930’s, however, Bali art changed significantly with the popularity of the cruise-liner circuit - bringing streams of affluent tourists to the Island.

In the face of this, The Pitamaha Arts Movement formed in Ubud in 1936 aimed to steer local artists away from the desires that were surfacing to mass-produce works of art (with the new temptation of the ubiquitous tourists in mind), and to uphold the high artistic standards in Bali Art. The main protagonists of Pitamaha were 2 expatriate Western painters Walter Spies & Rudolf Bonnet, along with their friends Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati – Ubud’s patrician prince, and his chief carver Gusti Nyoman Lempad.

Some feel the influence of Western Artists would detract the indigenous painters from their natural expression, whilst others suggested they merely encouraged the Balinese in a good way – urging them to experiment with new materials & themes, to express themselves as individuals, and carve and paint secular objects.

In 6 years the membership of The Pitamaha Arts Movement grew to 150 painters, carvers & sculptors, and although it came to an abrupt end in 1942 with the death of Walter Spies, it is argued that it did more in this period for Bali Art than in the preceding 60 years under Dutch rule!

Here at The Art Site we were immediately struck by the quality & diversity of Art in Bali upon visiting the Maha Gallery in Ubud, with terrific & unique pieces of Abstract Art, Buddha Art, Tribal Art & Ethnic Art on display there, amongst others. A relative of Komang Adi Siswono, whose family run the Maha Gallery, and whose work we were most taken by, advised us on our choices.

We will endeavour only to choose paintings of the most distinct kind, and of the best standards, whilst also providing other up-and-coming artists with the opportunity to present their works to the West - paying them a good, agreed and acceptable wage. In keeping in touch with them & their families, and adhering to this strict moral code of business, we can declare the paintings to be Fairly Traded for now, and we will be applying for Fair Trade status presently.

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