My Playful Journey

(1/15/2006)

Balinese artist Madè Kaek has been described by the Director of theBali Mangsi Cultural Center as being at the "the threshold between consciousness and unconsciousness."

Bali-based art consultant, Bruce Carpenter had this to say regarding one of Bali's more controversial modern artists: "One of the most difficult challenges faced by contemporary Balinese artists, like Madè Kaek, is to define the relationship between their traditional cultural heritage, being Balinese if you like, and being a modern artist. The Balinese anthropologist and writer, Degung Santika, has written several essays concerning the 'burden' of being Balinese."

"While his remarks are largely tongue in check they also contain a severe truth – non- Balinese expect the Balinese to conform to often ill fitting stereotypes that disregard their individual character. On the international art scene this mirrored in the fact that most of the exhibitions of non-Western artists in the West take place, not in museums of modern art, but rather Ethnological Museums. The truth is that the art of Madè Kaek and other important Balinese artists rises above their cultural roots while simultaneously acknowledging it. Astonishingly Kaek's art owes as much to the graffiti artists of urban New York as it does to the Balinese ritual and religion."

"In this exhibition entitled, My Playful Journey, Kaek demonstrates the ease with which he flows between the west and east but also consciousness and unconsciousness. While it would be easy to speculate on its connection with ancient rituals and culture, I would suggest a new approach of viewing it as the unique vision of a highly talented artist who just happens to be Balinese."

For One Month Only

"My Playful Journey" - an exhibition of art by Madè Kaek will run from January 17 through February 17, 2006 at the Ganesha Gallery – Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

The Gallery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Click to enlarge !