Alamat: Jl. Raya Ubud 35, Griya Agung Tebesaya, Ubud
Who didn’t play, as a child, with the shadows of their own hands to create animals on the wall? Balinese shadow play summons childhood memories, uses simple and poetic images made of light and shadow and is enjoyable for just this reason, a lighthearted idea still capable of recalling marvels of the past. Even without understanding the local language, watching a performance of a shadow play is a unique experience which comes to life in front of and behind the curtain upon which the silhouettes of the characters are cast. In fact, it’s the tone of voice, modulated in various ways for the various characters by the dalang, the “puppeteer”, the whirlwind of action and the live music which highlights essential passages and makes the story accessible to all. The scene unravels with a clear distinction between Good and Evil, borrowing from traditional tales and epic poems, with moral and religious teachings, but also irony to lighten things up and capture the public. The true soul of the show is the dalang who can move up to 12 marionettes simultaneously, giving each a distinct character, laughing and singing while one or two assistants pass the other characters to the dalang and a small orchestra plays under lamplight, all creating a stunning illusion of reality. A fundamental and fascinating way of approaching the local culture.
Contemporary photography with an ancient taste with I Gusti Agung Wijaya Utama
The Balinese photographer I Gusti Agung Wijaya Utama S. Sn recreates the atmospheres of the past. His portraits, created with great attention to detail, are not the result of digital technology, but of an ancient process: the Afghan box camera.
He is an Indonesian-born artist based in Bali. He finished his education in Fine Arts practice at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 2020. His artistic practice originates from his lived experiences and observations as a Balinese and the religious aspects of Bali.
It is one of the sacred dances of the of Bali Island, with a mystical meaning. The ceremony is intended to ask for salvation from a catastrophe or epidemic. The Sanghyang Dedari is different from other Balinese dances, because Sanghyang requires the dancer's body to be possessed.
Ikat Gallery: antiques and high craftsmanship on Bali Island
The Gallery opened its doors in 1980, initially as an antiques shop specializing in ikat fabrics and crafts. Over the years it has successfully expanded its research into the sector of luxury antique furniture and fine jewellery.