AMIDST the hustle and bustle of the captivating Bali Arts Festival (BAF) 2025, a painting exhibition entitled SULUR-JAGAT-SULUH (literally universal order of visual instruction) is presented as an oasis of calm and a gateway to a deeper understanding of the universe. Located in the Gedung Kriya Taman Budaya (Bali Art Center), this exhibition is not just a showcase for the artists’ skills, but an invitation to delve into the rich philosophy of Bali, where art is a bridge to cosmic wisdom.
The central theme of the exhibition, “Tata Semesta Pelita Rupa,” is a profound concept. It is a call to uncover the complex interweaving of art and the cosmos, an idea deeply rooted in the philosophical beliefs of the Balinese people. Here, the universe is seen as an autonomous order, an independent entity that gives birth to natural causalities. This universal law, which encompasses the cycle of existence of the universe and all its contents, teaches us about the essence of harmony.
For the Balinese, a wise life is a life that is always in harmony with the mega causality of the universe. And this is where the role of fine art becomes crucial; it transforms into a means for humans to explore these cosmic laws through reason and creativity.
“SULUR-JAGAT-SULUH” is more than just a display of artwork; it is a flowing visual narrative, telling how Balinese artists for centuries have interpreted and contemplated the depths of the causality of the universe. They explore both the visible (sekala), the reality that we can sense, and the invisible (niskala), the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions going beyond the limits of our physical vision. Every brush stroke, every choice of color, is a reflection of their deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the divine.
One of the works that immediately caught our attention was Upacara Tawur Agung or great exorcisem by I Nyoman Juliartawan. This painting may well capture the essence of a grand ceremony that symbolizes the balance of the universe, a purification ritual that is very important in the Balinese life cycle. Then there is the Tika-Kamasan Calendar (Anonymous), a visual representation of the traditional Balinese calendar system that is not just an ordinary calendar, but a reflection of the cosmic cycles and rituals of life. The anonymity of this work actually adds to the mystery and universality of its message.
From the Mahabharata epic, this exhibition presents Bhisma Parwa by I Wayan Aryana. This painting certainly takes visitors to the heroic story and deep philosophy of one of the important parts of the epic, reminding us of the moral and spiritual lessons contained therein. No less interesting is Hanuman Dustra Mencari Shinta by I Wayan Murka, an iconic scene from the Ramayana epic depicting loyalty, courage, and the search for truth. Murka’s stroke of brush certainly managed to capture the dynamics and emotions of this legendary story.
The exhibition also features Gugurnya Sang Ksatriya (The Death of the Knight) by Ngakan Made Sudarsana. This painting depicts a dramatic and heroic moment, a reminder of sacrifice and honor in the Balinese heroic tradition. Each work selected in “SULUR-JAGAT-SULUH” is a piece of a visual puzzle that, when put together, forms a complete picture of Bali’s holistic and spiritual worldview.
This annual painting exhibition in series of the Bali Arts Festival is concurrently held in three venues, namely Gedung Kriya-Taman Budaya Provinsi Bali and Nata-Citta Art Space (N-CAS) ISI Bali (Denpasar) as well as Museum Puri Lukisan, Ubud. It takes place from June 21 through July 19, 2025.
Visiting this exhibition amidst the excitement of the Bali Arts Festival is an experience worth adding to your travel bucket list. It is a rare opportunity to not only experience the beauty of art, but also to reflect on the meaning of existence, harmony, and our relationship to the greater universe. “SULUR-JAGAT-SULUH” is not just about looking at paintings; it is about feeling, understanding, and letting your soul be illuminated by the visible light of cosmic wisdom. (*)
