Sometimes, Bali hides treasures in the most improbable places, such as tiny villages rich in history and culture. Such is the case with Kamasan, famous for being the centre where an ancient traditional painting style has its origins, so important that it became the official artistic style for various royal courts. The Kamasan style is inspired by episodes of epic Hindu poems visually depicted by the wayang, the puppets used in shadow theatre. A famous example of this painting style is in the ceiling of 267 panels of the Kerta Gosa, the ancient pavilion of the Royal Palace of Klungkung. The paintings of Kamasan, created as public works in collaboration with various artists are pieces which often remain anonymous. Today, it is still possible to see the work of great living masters. The tradition was passed down from generation to generation and guarded as a treasure and throughout the village one can visit studios, observing the creation of contemporary works while learning trade secrets.
Written by Balinese scholar Professor I Made Bandem and American art historian Bruce W. Carpenter, this stunning study of masks as an ancient art form is a richly illustrated book, with over 1000 color images by photographer Doddy Obenk.
The purity of the offering to the gods in the Rejang Dance
Only very young dancers, a symbol of purity and sacredness, can perform the Rejang Dance in the internal area of the temple as an offering to the Gods.
The liveliness of a Caribbean Carnival meets the rich cultural puzzle of Bali. A unique mix of tradition and celebration against the backdrop of the island's beautiful landscapes.
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