"iz .art" : Bali Part 1 (Part 2)
For the first time, Iz Maglow came to Bali in 1991. The fascination of this tropical island overwhelmed him so much that a short time later he decided to stay for a while. It followed 20 years in which the artist recorded his impressions of this exotic island in numerous paintings. These paintings show his impression that everything seems to be intertwined by a common structure.
Houses and Temples
The first pictures thematize the landscape of Bali, in which houses and countless temples seem to merge with the surrounding rice terraces and tropical forests.
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1994, 28 x 42 cm
14894004
private collection Hasselt / Belgium
BALI AFTERNOON
oil pastel, tempera und acrylic on paper,
1994, 28 x 42 cm
14894006
private collection Limburg / Netherlands
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
oil pastel and acrylic on canvas,
1993, 70 x 80 cm
14893322
private collection Bali / Indonesia
For many generations, the Balinese cultivated their island. A mature irrigation system supplies countless man-made rice terraces, with the vital wet. These lush green rice terraces, together with several volcanoes that rise from the jungle to over 3000m, determine the landscape in Bali.
RUMAH MADE
oil pastel and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 70 x 80 cm
14894001
private collection Bali / Indonesia
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1994, 36 x 48 cm
14894019
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
Most of the reed-covered houses disappear between the coconut palms. Temples are covered with rainforest mosses and ferns. Everything seems to be intertwined with a common structure. Colored accents in this harmonious sight set the decorations during the ceremonies and other festivals.
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1994, 36 x 48 cm
14894020
private collection Karlsruhe / Germany
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1994, 36 x 48 cm
14894021
private collection Berlin / Germany
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14895031
private collection Karlsruhe / Germany
RAINY SEASON
oil pastel, tempera and acrylic on paper,
1993, 28 x 42 cm
14893321
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14895018
private collection Germany
BALI: HOUSES AND TEMPLES
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14895052
private collection Bürstadt / Germany
BALI – NUSA DEWATA
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 200 x 160 cm
14194032
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
The Balinese call their island "NUSA DEWATA": the "ISLAND OF THE GODS". On the one hand there exists a Bali, which is dominated by its many religious acts for gods and demons. On the other side there is the tourist paradise with its exotic palm beaches, rice terraces and its tropical vegetation. In everyday life, both worlds are miraculously interwoven into a special network.
OFFERINGS
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
14895057
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
On the island, it is obvious in a very unique way that the Balinese offer their offerings everywhere: in caves, at springs and very old trees, but also at crossroads, at bridges and on almost all rice fields. The daily offerings are meant to protect against "demons" and guarantee good harvests and prosperity.
BALI CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
14195035
private collection Limburg / Netherlands
PURA BALI
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 65 x 35 cm
14894022
LAYANG LAYANG (KNITES)
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 90 x 40 cm
14894023
private collection Bali / Indonesia
BALI
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 100 x 50 cm
14894028
private collection Bali / Indonesia
TROPICAL BALI
acrylic on canvas,
1997, 120 x 100 cm
14597002
private collection Bali / Indonesia
"TROPICAL BALI", a special place where traditional and modern life go hand in hand on a small island.
CANDI BENTAR
tempera and acrylic on 2 papers,
1996, 42 x 60 cm
14496007
BALI DAY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1996, 30 x 40 cm
14896006
Colorful Ceremonies
Traditional ceremonies distinguishing "Upacara" and "Odalan" inspired the painter to take a painterly look at the island's culture.
BALI CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195030
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195024
public collection
Ministry of Science and Fine Arts, Baden-Württemberg / Germany
BALI ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195051
private collection Weissach / Germany
BALI PROCESSION
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195053
public collection
Ministry of Science and Fine Arts, Baden-Württemberg / Germany
ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14195019
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
Every half and full moon there is an "Odalan" ceremony. The women carry high pyramids of piled fruit on their heads to the temple. They wear the best cloths in all colors, while the colors of the men are white and yellow.
BALI ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195050
public collection
Ministry of Science and Fine Arts, Baden-Württemberg / Germany
BALI
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 26 x 71 cm
14195006
private collection Bali / Indonesia
BALI
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 26 x 71 cm
14195007
private collection Germany
FESTIVE TEMPLE CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195026
public collection
Ministry of Science and Fine Arts, Baden-Württemberg / Germany
FESTIVE TEMPLE CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
14195028
private collection Germany
BALI ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14195032
BARONG DI PURA / BALINESE NIGHT CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 160 x 140 cm
14194027
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
For very festive ceremonies, the "Barong" is brought in a long procession from the village to the temple. The "Barong", according to ancient Hindu myth a sacred mythical creature has white, magical powers. The barong is worn by two dancers and appears in the mask of lion, tiger, pig or bull.
ON THE WAY TO THE TEMPLE
(CEREMONY AT NIGHT)
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1996, 80 x 80 cm
14896001
private collection Bali / Indonesia
Often during a whole day until late at night, the Balinese are on their way to the temple, bringing their offerings and praying – just as the painter Iz Maglow has recorded in his paintings for ceremonies in Bali.
UPACARA PENDETA
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 55 x 50 cm
14194026
ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1994, 40 x 30 cm
14194034
private collection Berlin / Germany
BALI ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 24 x 19 cm
14195044
private collection Hugsweier / Germany
ODALAN
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 40 x 30 cm
14195001
private collection Hamburg / Germany
WOMEN ON THEIR WAY TO THE TEMPLE
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1997, 42 x 56 cm
14896010
Festively dressed women carrying offerings on their heads approach "CANDI BENTAR", the split main gate of their temple. Inside the temple, Balinese women and men have decorated everything for the upcoming ceremony with colorful umbrellas and towels.
BALI CANDI
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1996, 30 x 42 cm
14496005
private collection Germany
OGOH OGOH
screen print, tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14195010
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
In Balinese art and temples are no images of the gods , only empty seats are carved in stone for their stay on the island. In contrast, the demons are extremely grotesquely overdrawn. On the night before "Nyepi", a holiday comparable to our "New Year", they are known as giant monsters, called "Ogoh Ogoh", carried through the streets of Bali.
OGOH OGOH
screen print, tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14195009
OGOH OGOH
screen print, tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14195008
More picturesque Bali impressions of Iz Maglow
In addition to the unfamiliar color of temples and ceremonies, Iz Maglow inspired themes such as religion and myths and their implementation in Balinese dance.
More paintings by Iz Maglow on Bali: Bali's "Modern Times"
Religion and Myths
In the painterly exploration of Bali's religion, Iz Maglow addresses the rites of daily sacrifices and the numerous temple ceremonies as well as the actions of the priests and the ancient myths that lie behind the cultic acts.
UPACARA PENDETA
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1994, 80 x 80 cm
14194024
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
Before a Brahmin can become a "PENDETA" (= priest), he – or his past, worldly life – must symbolically die in a special "UPACARA" (= ceremony) and be "born" anew into this office. The "Pendeta" determines then in the context of his everyday life on the basis of two calendar systems ("Saka" and "Pawuku") the best days for all important events such as tooth filing, wedding, car purchase, start of construction, ... and the associated ceremonies. Iz Maglow was also invited to such a rare priestly inauguration and painted several pictures on the subject.
"TAJEN" TO THE PLEASURE OF THE GODS
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
17495063
private collection Weissach / Germany
Temple festivals in Bali are often accompanied by "Tajen" (= cockfighting), whereby the blood of the inferior roosters dripping on the ground should ensure the fertility of the rice crops. At many ceremonies, natural substances such as flowers, herbs, coconut milk and again and again the blood of sacrificed animals play an important role.
BLOOD-OFFERINGS FOR HONOUR AND FERTILITY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095066
public collection
Ministry of Science and Fine Arts, Baden-Württemberg / Germany
EVERYTHING IS FULL OF SOULS, EVERYTHING IS FULL OF GHOSTS
tempera on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
11095064
DAILY FRESH HOLY WATER
tempera on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
11095058
private collection Berlin / Germany
Apart from advice on life issues or the best date for events such as wedding or house building, Balinese priests are often visited by the locals with the request for holy water.
UPACARA MEMBANGUN RUMAH / HOUSE BUILDING CEREMONY
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095061
private collection Landau / Germany
MERAH BALIKU / MY RED BALI
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
17495060
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
OFFERINGS AND CEREMONIES FOR RICH RICE HARVESTS
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095059
INVITATION OFFERING FOR THE GOD OF THE DIRECTIONS
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095062
FOR MT BATUR AND MT AGUNG
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14895068
The two active volcanoes Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung are revered and respected by the Balinese. They play an important role of the island culture.
"BANTEN" ALL AROUND THE HOUSE
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
14895065
private collection Karlsruhe / Germany
There is hardly a place in Bali that does not get its regular "banten" (= offerings). Both in and around the house and in the fields, at springs, bridges, crossroads or particularly mighty, old trees lie or hang the sacred props.
CUPAK AND GRANTANG
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095015
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
Among the myths of Bali is the legend of "Cupak and Grantang", which is a popular theme in dance, Balinese opera and painting. "Cupak" and "Grantang" were brothers. The older one big and rough, the younger one slight and polite. Both fell in love with a princess of Kediri, who was kidnapped by a giant. The saga traces the struggle between the two different characters during the liberation of the princess.
CUPAK
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095014
RAJA LASEM
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
11095074
Both in Balinese dances, dramas and shadow plays as well as in the painting and sculpture mostly old-Indian topics are treated, episodes from "Ramayana" and "Mahabarata". The myths of Bali, like the legends of "Raden Panji" go back to the year ~ 1200, when the dynasties of East and Central Java were at their peak. "Legong", an old, courtly dance tells a small part of this "Panji" cycle: the legend about "Raja Lasem", who kidnapped the princess "Rangkesari" and dies during her liberation.
JAYAPRANA
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
11095049
"Arja", a Bali night opera that lasts many hours, tells u.a. the legend of "Jayaprana", the last survivor after an epidemic and his wife "Layon Sari". His prince and foster father "Anak Agung" tries in vain to win "Layon Sari". In the end, she prefers to follow with her husband in committing suicide rather than to follow the wishes of the ruler.
Balinese Dance
Balinese dances were divided into: "trance dances", dances to strengthen the warriors, pure "temple dances" to the delight of the gods and "dances in the palaces" for the edification of the princely court.
KECAK AT NIGHT
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1995, 55 x 66 cm
11095056
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
In the nightly torchlight, the naked torsos of countless dancers sway to the "Kecak", a Balinese trance dance. Episodes from the Ramayana are told in this wild atmosphere. The "Kecak" dates back to the thirties, when the German painter Walter Spiess created this neo-choreography from various Balinese dances for the film "Island of the Demons" (1933, Friedrich Dalsheim). The "Kecak" is still performed in the way of that choreography and has become part of Balinese Identity.
BALINESE TRANCE DANCE / KECAK
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095039
BALINESE TRANCE DANCE / KECAK
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095013
BALINESE TRANCE DANCE / KECAK
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 40 cm
11095012
KECAK
tempera on paper,
1995, 20 x 14,5 cm
11095011
BALINESE DANCE
pencil, tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1993, 70 x 80 cm
14193313
LEGONG AND CONDONG
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1996, 42 x 60 cm
14096008
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
In the "Legong" dance two dancers, dressed in the same way, tell the story of a prince and his abducted princess. The dance gains its tension by changing from synchronous to asynchronous. A third dancer (the "Condong") plays the messenger, who already knows the story's "happy ending" for the couple.
BALINESE DANCE / LEGONG
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095020
With "dancing eyes" Iz Maglow painted the Balinese girls performing the "LEGONG" dance. Distinct eye and head movements and an extremely artificial body discipline that reaches to the fingertips characterizes this dance, which originally came from the neighboring island of Java to Bali.
LEGONG DANCE
tempera on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
14095033
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
LEGONG DANCE
tempera on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
11095040
private collection Frankfurt / Germany
OLEG TAMBULILINGAN
tempera on paper,
1995, 40 x 30 cm
11095041
private collection Stuttgart / Germany
LEGONG DANCE
tempera on paper,
1995, 42 x 30 cm
11095042
CONDONG
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1995, 66 x 55 cm
11095054
BALINESE DANCE / LEGONG
tempera and acrylic on canvas,
1995, 70 x 80 cm
11095022
BALINESE DANCE / LEGONG
tempera and acrylic on paper,
1995, 30 x 42 cm
11095021
private collection Germany
Balinese dances are still performed in traditional dance performances and modern choreographies.
Continue with Bali (Part 2)
