The Marvel of Peliatan Village: Exploring Beauty through Concrete Statues Depicting Local History and Culture

Peliatan Village in Bali, recently crowned as the Most Advanced Village in Indonesia, captivates not only through the enchanting Balinese dance but also through the mesmerizing wonders of concrete sculpture art. Concrete sculptures in Peliatan are not just ordinary visual art products; since ancient times, these sculptures have served as ritual tools for worship, symbolizing the embodiment of ancestral spirits, gods, and the divine, with all their sacred manifestations.

Originally, Balinese sculpture functioned as a medium for ritual worship, but direct contact with foreign artists, especially from the West, led to significant developments. Realistic, naturalistic, and surrealistic touches brought about a transformation in sculpture art, with villages like Mas, Kemenhuh, and particularly Peliatan emerging as centers of brilliant concrete sculpture development.

Concrete Statue Making Process (Source: Private Collection)

The creative process of concrete sculpture in Peliatan blends traditional skills with modern innovation, creating astonishing harmony in every piece. From the initial stages of sketching, where the concept and design are carefully planned, to the approval of the sketches, the process proceeds to the creation of models or miniature sculptures. These models serve as prototypes, helping artists visualize dimensions, proportions, and details before working with larger materials. The construction of the sculpture frame follows, where artists use specific materials to create a stable structure, ensuring the sculpture's longevity.

Concrete Statue Frame (Source: Private Collection)

Peliatan becomes a stage for renowned sculptors creating monumental works. Figures like I Wayan Winten have shaped younger generations through formal and non-formal education. Former students, such as Komang Labda, I Ketut Suardana, I Wayan Sedan Suputra, I Wayan Winarta, I Nyoman Purna, and Kadek, continue the legacy, establishing their studios in various locations.

Beyond being visual art, concrete sculptures in Peliatan carry special meanings and stories. Themes like Ramayana, Mahabrata, Hindu mythology, and local stories adorn each piece. Sculptors not only adhere to tradition but also create aesthetically decorative works that beautify various places, from gardens to recreational areas and government offices. Their success is evident not only in the thriving local economy but also in the positive impact on the tourism sector. Peliatan Village successfully earned significant revenue from tourist taxes, reaching around IDR 5 billion last year.

Semi-Finished Model of Concrete Statue (Source: Private Collection)

Empowering the local community goes beyond income; it involves education and training. Some sculptors open studios and provide training to the younger generation interested in learning sculpture art. This not only enhances the quality of artistic works but also preserves the tradition and sustainability of concrete sculpture art in Peliatan.

Despite the rapid development of concrete sculpture art in Peliatan, it faces challenges from modernization. Sculptors strive to preserve the authenticity and beauty of the surrounding environment, making the preservation of art the primary focus. Their hope is for concrete sculpture art to continue growing as an integral part of Peliatan's identity—a destination not only for tourism but also a guardian of a continually evolving cultural heritage in the modern era.

Concrete Statue (Source: Private Collection)

With the mesmerizing wonders of concrete sculpture art, Peliatan Village in Bali is not just a tourist destination but a brilliant stage for creative sculptors crafting monumental masterpieces. Each sculpture captivates with themes from Ramayana, Mahabrata, Hindu mythology, and local stories, forming the foundation of artistic expression. Beyond merely enhancing spaces, Peliatan's concrete sculpture art depicts a unique identity and serves as an undeniable force in the local economy. Tourists are not only treated to visual beauty but also experience the living cultural aura that continues to evolve.

Involving the younger generation through education and training, sculptors create a cultural legacy that is not only seen but also felt. Peliatan is more than a tourist destination; it is a hub for the sustainability of concrete sculpture art that cannot be overlooked. Let's explore together and experience the prideful richness of art in Peliatan, proving that concrete sculpture art is not just a relic of the past but a vibrant spirit in the modern era.