The Uniqueness and Beauty of Batuan Style Painting
With its unique style of painting, the village of Batuan has been a center of art in Bali since the time of the kingdom. This art was originally intended for offerings in various traditional and religious rituals.
Bali, a place where the beauty of nature and the richness of art form an unforgettable harmony. We will explore the rock paintings at the Batuan Art Museum, a place that preserves the unique history of painting in the village of Batuan.
With its unique style of painting, the village of Batuan has been a center of art in Bali since the time of the kingdom. This art was originally intended for offerings in various traditional and religious rituals. The art gained widespread recognition in the 1930s when renowned anthropologists such as Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson asked the children of Batuan Village to depict their experiences through paintings, revealing magical nuances and rich stories.
Batuan paintings often depict themes from folklore, wayang (Mahabharata and Ramayana), daily life, and traditional/religious events. Although Batuan paintings have evolved with the times, incorporating contemporary elements such as airplanes and cars, the traditional techniques used to create this art are still highly esteemed.
To view various works of this Batuan-style painting, one can visit the Batuan Museum. Located in Gianyar Regency, Sukawati, Batuan, this museum boasts an extraordinary collection of both old and new paintings, including valuable pieces like the Barong Dance Painting and the Nawa Dewata Painting. With an affordable entrance fee of Rp. 50,000 per person, visitors can explore unique facilities such as permanent exhibition rooms, a library, and collection storage.
Nawa Dewata Painting (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)
Initially, Batuan Style Paintings focused on themes of religious values and traditional mythology. As time passed, additional themes depicting Balinese community life and other general themes were incorporated. In terms of community, Batuan painters formed a group called "Baturulangun," consisting of around 80 artists from various generations. The purpose of this group is to provide a platform for Batuan painters to create, preserve, and continue the cultural heritage of Batuan-style painting across generations.
Several techniques are employed in this Batuan-style painting, including Nyeket (creating patterns with a pencil), Nyawi (emphasizing sketches/lines using a drawing pen), Ngucek/Ngabur (separating upper and lower parts using color to create a 3D effect), and Manyunan/Sigar Mangsi (gradation from light to dark, becoming darker in certain areas). These processes are then repeated to enhance the anatomical details and motifs of the painting.
Batuan Modern Painting (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)
Batuan-style painting is not just visual art but a collection of profound values and cultural heritage that depict the richness of a community's tradition. In its patterns, colors, and themes, Batuan-style paintings serve as historical and identity guardians, playing roles in traditional social functions, rituals, and ceremonies. Preserving this art becomes increasingly crucial in the modern era, where efforts to maintain distinctive painting techniques, traditional motifs, and symbols are essential for sustaining the artistic heritage. Art museums, like the Batuan Museum, play a crucial role in preserving and educating about this art for the younger generations. Despite the challenges of time, the hope is that with ongoing preservation efforts, Batuan-style painting can continue to evolve, inspire, and maintain its allure within the local and global communities, serving as a valuable heritage safeguarded for future generations.
