Images of Bali in the Arts

Painted Demons leer out of the darkness, dancers burst with brilliant hues, and exotic birds perch among pastel-colored flowers.

On many temples and fine homes, wooden panels and cloth hangings are filled with dramatic scenes of mysterious figures painted in rich, earthy colors.

In museums and galleries, modern artworks with abstract splashes of color glow with the intensity of cremation flames, and bold brush-strokes animate a lush landscape.

IS THIS BALI?

This is indeed the famous island paradise where tradition coexists with modernization.

Outside influences have shaped the island's culture for a long time, whether coming from India and China, neighboring Java and other Southeast Asian locations,

or the distant West. Bali's strong indigenous traditions provided fertile soil for transforming and blending these influences as integral elements

of the present Balinese mosaic of life.

Garrett Kam

in "Perceptions of Paradise"