Contemporary Art Shines at the Tonyraka Art Gallery in Ubud

It all started in 1968 when the skilled wood-carver A.A Gede Raka Wirayuda opened, for the first time, in Ubud, the doors of the Tonyraka Art Gallery. Since then, for almost 30 years, this gallery has accumulated and sold its collection, known, mostly, for works created using wood carving techniques. The big change came in 1997 when his son, A.A Bagus Tony Hartawan, decided to expand the gamma of pieces at the gallery, enriching the spaces with works of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures and installations. Thus, the Tonyraka Art Gallery became a point of reference for foreign artists who lived and worked in Indonesia, especially in Bali, as well. As a young entrepreneur committed to promoting local art, Tony gave a new mission and vision to the gallery, making this important cultural centre on the island, not just a simple business but a visionary treasure playing an important long-term cultural role.