PAINTING artists never lack of ideas, both in choosing the themes they will paint and the media they use. Apart from paper, cloth and canvas, they can also express their ideas through glass.
So, for this last media, we can find it in Nagasepaha Village, which is located in Buleleng District, North Bali. This village is widely known as a center for the art of wayang or puppet painting on glass. The works of these village artists reflect the beauty and depth of Balinese culture.
Puppet painting on glass is not just visual art, but is also full of deep philosophical and spiritual values.
Uniqueness of Wayang Painting on Glass
Nagasepaha’s wayang or puppet paintings on glass have their own uniqueness that differentiates them from other forms of art. Some of these unique features are:
- Reverse Painting Technique
Artists paint from behind glass, so the process requires precision and careful planning. They have to paint the smallest details first, then layer by layer until the largest. This technique ensures that the final result seen from the front of the glass is very smooth and detailed.
- Use of Rich Colors
Puppet paintings on glass are usually very colorful, using a rich and bright palette. These colors do not only add visual appeal but also have deep symbolic meaning in Balinese tradition.
- Traditional Motifs
The motifs used in this painting usually refer to puppet stories, the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, and Balinese mythology. Every character and scene depicted has an important story and moral message.
Difficulty Levels of Painting on Glass
Painting on glass has a higher level of difficulty than painting on canvas or paper. Some of the main challenges faced by artists are:
- Detail and thoroughness
Because the painting process is done from behind glass, the artist must have extraordinary precision in depicting small details first. Even the slightest mistake can be difficult to correct.
- Use of Media and Tools
The paint used must have special qualities so that it sticks well to the glass surface. In addition, tools such as brushes and pens must be chosen carefully to produce lines and colors that are clear and do not fade.
- Layered Process
Painting using a layered technique requires careful planning. The artist must have a clear vision of how each layer will look once completed, and must be able to envision the final result from the start of the process.
The Attraction of Puppet Paintings on Glass
Puppet paintings on glass have a strong appeal for several reasons, such as the following:
- Visual Beauty
Glass provides a shine and transparency that adds a new dimension to the painting. When light hits the glass, the colors in the painting appear vivid and mesmerizing.
- Cultural and Philosophical Values
Each wayang painting on glass carries a story and a deep moral message from Balinese tradition. It is not only a work of art, but also a medium for conveying cultural and spiritual values to the next generation.
- Skills and Crafts
at wayang paintings on glass, one can appreciate the skill and dedication required to create such intricate and beautiful works. This makes these paintings highly valuable and appreciated by both art collectors and the general public.
As seen on the picture above, it is a puppet painting by Ketut Santosa entitled ‘The Situbanda Bridge Project’ describing the construction of Situbanda Bridge connecting Ayodya to Alengka. This puppet painting is expressed slightly humorously where the artist paints the characters of puppet which are juxtaposed with modern situation marked off with the presence of a heavy equipment like holler. It is exhibited in Gedung Kriya, Bali Art Center (Denpasar) in series of Bali Arts Festival (BAF) 2024, taking place on Jun 15-Jul 13, 2024.
Closing
paintings on glass from artists from Nagasepaha Village, Buleleng, are beautiful representations of Balinese cultural heritage. With unique and complex painting techniques, these works not only offer visual beauty but are also steeped in cultural and philosophical values.
This art continues to live and develop, attracting attention and admiration from various groups, both local and international.
