Magic of Life – An Exhibition by 4 Balinese Artists

(10/11/2008)

Often referred to as "three brothers plus one" – the Balinese artistic family of Nyoman Budiarta, Ketut Budiarsa, Wayan Piadnaya and Made Budiana stand together as an inspiring lesson in the power of art to heal.

In spite of many personal challenges, three of the four brothers have championed a style of painting that originated in the village of Pengosekan in the late 1930s. This school would undergo a transformation forty years later under the influence of Dewa Nyoman Batuan and his uncle Dewa Ketut Mokoh. Batuan eventually adopted a more commercial style while Mokoh boldly embarked on an exploration of provocative themes, often with sexual undercurrents, seeking to defy the false morality of the Suharto era.

The "Three Brothers Plus One" were students of Mokoh's star protégé, Gusti Ayu Murniasih. A female artist renowned for her technical skill and explicit themes before her tragically premature death in 2005. Murniasih sought to expose Indonesian society's hypocritical attitudes towards women and other downtrodden groups.

As part of her artistic legacy "Murni" taught her four students well. Using the charming naïve modeling and pastel colors also found in the works of Murniana Mokoh, the "Three Brothers Plus One" produce art that is laced with self-effacing social criticism, preoccupied with a sense of wonder and thankfulness for all of the world and that life that has been given them. Together and individually, "the brothers" create a magical world of beasts and humans – all celebrating love and life.

Nyoman Budiarta



Ketut Budiarsa



Wayan Piadnya



Made Budiana





Three Brother's plus One Pictures