A Family of Artists: The Creative Legacy of Sayan Baung
In the village of Sayan Baung, there lived a family of talented painters. Among them were four siblings, three brothers, and one sister, all passionate about painting. Their older brother, who was already an established painter, taught the younger ones how to paint in a style called Young Artist. This style was famous in the 1960s, thanks to a Dutch artist named Arie Smit, who lived in Bali and taught children in nearby villages how to draw and paint.
Pak Kaler’s Early Beginnings: From Child Prodigy to Artistic Entrepreneur
One of the brothers, Pak Kaler, showed exceptional talent from a young age. At just 10 years old, he started selling his paintings to help pay for his school and other needs. Paintings from their village were collected by distributors and sold in galleries and art markets, providing income for many families. As Pak Kaler grew older, he focused on his favorite subjects—Bali’s nature and traditions—and developed his own unique style by blending traditional Balinese techniques with his own ideas.
The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Sanggar Seni Pelangi: A Community’s Artistic Journey
By the year 2000, many artists in Bali were leaving art behind to work in the growing hospitality industry. Concerned about keeping the tradition of painting alive, Pak Kaler founded an art community called “Sanggar Seni Pelangi.” Through this community, artists came together to exhibit their work and introduce it to more people. The art community became famous, attracting not only painters but artists from different areas as well. However, with this fame came challenges. Differences in thinking between the members started to affect the community. Recognizing the need for change, Pak Kaler made the difficult decision to stop the community.
In 2005, Pak Kaler decided to revive the community, but this time with a new focus. Only painters were allowed to join, ensuring a shared vision and purpose. This decision proved to be a success. The painters of Sanggar Seni Pelangi organized exhibitions in prestigious venues such as Puri Lukisan Museum, Monkey Forest Gallery, Bidadari, and Indus. Some of the painters even received certificates for their contributions, further validating their commitment to their craft and the success of their community.
Beyond the Canvas: Pak Kaler’s Vision for Balinese Art and Culture.
Pak Kaler’s paintings are more than just beautiful scenes—they tell stories. Each painting captures not only the breathtaking scenery of Bali but also the unique traditions and way of life of its people. Pak Kaler’s dedication to his unique style did not go unnoticed. He was acknowledged by the Indonesian Art Association and rewarded for his distinctive focus on details, especially in his paintings of rice paddy terraces, a style that set him apart from other artists.For Pak Kaler, continuing to grow and innovate in his painting style is essential to keeping his imagination alive and thriving.
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1 Comment
Gmac
Wow, I love his story. I saw his art at Indus in Ubud for the first time me this year. Very detailed and such a unique beautiful form of painting .