Brushstrokes of Tradition: Bugur’s Journey in Balinese Artistry

I Made Bugur, born in 1973, one of the awesome creators behind the Pelangi Art community in Sayan Baung village, Ubud, Bali. Ever since he was little, Bugur dreamed of becoming a painter. In his elementary school, almost all the kids knew how to paint! He learned painting from his neighbor, who was also a painter, for three years starting in fifth grade until he could make his own paintings to sell. Back then, most painters had similar styles, often painting big images of rice fields. But Bugur’s style is different. He focuses on Balinese traditions and ancient myths within Balinese nature, paying close attention to details. His painting style has changed over time, inspired by traditional Balinese art and his mentor, Pak Kaler.

Bugur used to make his own canvas from recycled flour bags painted white, but now he prefers using drill fabric for better quality. In the Pelangi art community, Bugur, along with other founders like Pak Kaler, Pak Tiarep, and Pak Tapa, and 17 other painters, created a new fusion style of painting blending young artists’ perspectives with Balinese tradition. Bugur loves painting scenes of people working in rice fields, farmers, and fishermen with the sea in the background.

He’s even exhibited his paintings four times at places like the Puri Lukisan museum, Monkey Forest Gallery, Bidadari, and Indus Restaurant. Bugur is passionate about helping artists earn more from their paintings, so they don’t have to leave their passion for jobs in hospitality. He hopes that the unique painting style of the Pelangi Art community will become even more popular and provide more opportunities for artists.