What's This? What's That?

(12/23/2009)

27 artists from 6 countries will participate in an "Art happening" entitled "Apa Ini, Apa Itu (What’s This? What’s That?)" to be held at the Suklu Studio and Lepang Beach in Klungkung from December 29-31, 2009.

Teams of artists have descended on Klungkung to set up displays covering a wide range of artistic mediums, including installation art, that will be the focus of the three-day event.

The Head of the organizing committee for "Apa Ini, Apa Itu" - Wayan Sujana Suklu, said the purpose of the event is to invite direct public response to the contemporary works of art which will be produced on a 3 x 24 hour basis throughout the "happening."

"The highlight will happen as we approach midnight on December 31st when 100 'gende jembe' drums will be available for guests to take turns beating as they welcome in the new year," explained Suklu.

Suklu told beritabali.com that 27 artists have confirmed their participation; presenting their creations in dance, music, installation art and photography.

Art Director Daniel LeClaire from the U.S.A. has given space to artists to exercise their creative energies. The event will be recorded in film, a planned book and still photography to be used in a coming exhibition.

Among the international artists expected in Klungkung for the exhibition are Agung Gunawan, Cedil, Charlie Crooijmans (video Belanda), Daniel Kho, Daniel Zacharias, Danuta Franzen (Poland), Deasylinada da Ary, Eko Prawoto, Gusti Sudibia, I Gede Made Surya Darma, IG Nengah Hari Mahardika, Joko Dwi Avianto, Made Djirna Mireki Jasmiene Okubo (Japan), Ni Kadek Diah Kristin Natalia, Shoosie Sulaiman (Malaysia), Tisna Sanjaya, Wawan Setiawan Husin, Wayan Pacet, Wayan Sudiarta, Wayan Sujana Suklu, and Welldo Wnophringgo.

Balinese artist Nyoman Erawan has promised to present an original work at the event. Meanwhile, Nyoman Sujana Kenye who is known for his compositions based on bamboo and leaves will create a special display on Klungkung's beach. There will also be dances performed by NyomanSura and Putu Satria Kusuma.

Klungkung was chosen for this event because of its rich historic and cultural legacy which include the remains of the royal palace at Kertagosa and the community of shadow puppeteers ay Kamasan.

Artist Daniel Kho, who helped designed the exhibition, said many artists are hoping for this to become an annual event held in a different country each year. Accordingly, Shooshie, an artist from Malaysia, is hoping that the event will move to that country in 2010.