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Dewa Simpar

Artist Statement

Karya-karya saya berakar pada pengamatan mendalam terhadap dinamika kehidupan di Bali, yang kaya akan budaya dan tradisi, namun juga tak terhindarkan dari arus modernitas. Saya tertarik pada persinggungan antara nilai-nilai luhur warisan leluhur dengan tuntutan serta perubahan yang pesat dalam kehidupan kontemporer. Kehidupan modern menghadirkan berbagai tantangan dan tuntutan di berbagai aspek. Kemampuan untuk beradaptasi menjadi kunci dalam menjalani realitas saat ini. Pengalaman personal dalam menghadapi transisi dan adaptasi inilah yang ingin saya artikulasikan dan tuangkan ke dalam medium seni lukis. Melalui karya-karya saya, saya berupaya untuk merefleksikan bagaimana budaya, tradisi, dan kehidupan modern saling berinteraksi, terkadang berdampingan harmonis, namun tak jarang pula menimbulkan gesekan dan penyesuaian.

My works are rooted in close observation of the dynamic life in Bali—a land rich in culture and tradition, yet inevitably touched by the currents of modernity. I am particularly drawn to the intersection between the noble values of ancestral heritage and the demands of rapid change in contemporary life.

Modern life presents various challenges and pressures across many dimensions. The ability to adapt has become essential in navigating today’s reality. It is from my personal experiences of transition and adaptation that I draw inspiration, translating these moments into the medium of painting.

Through my work, I seek to reflect on the interaction between tradition, culture, and modern life—how they coexist, sometimes in harmony, but often with tension and necessary adjustment. My art aims to express these complexities, inviting viewers to contemplate the evolving identity of Balinese life in a changing world.

Artist Biography

Lahir di Kabupaten Bangli, Provinsi Bali, pada tanggal 6 Juni 1974, minat seniman ini terhadap dunia lukis telah bersemi sejak usia dini. Hobi melukisnya mulai tumbuh di bangku Sekolah Dasar, sekitar usia 7 tahun. Ketekunannya dalam seni terus berlanjut hingga ia menamatkan Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) pada tahun 1993.

Setahun berikutnya, pada tahun 1994, ia memulai langkahnya dalam dunia seni rupa dengan mengikuti pameran bersama. Namun, perjalanan seninya sempat terhenti sejenak ketika ia memilih untuk bekerja dengan warga negara asing (WNA) di bidang desain untuk kerajinan tangan (handicraft). Pengalaman lain yang memperkaya latar belakangnya adalah keterlibatannya dalam desain lukis pada tekstil kulit.

Setelah melalui berbagai pengalaman tersebut, seniman ini kini kembali aktif berkarya di dunia lukis, melanjutkan kembali passion dan dedikasinya terhadap seni lukis.

Born in Bangli Regency, Bali Province, on June 6, 1974, this artist’s passion for painting began at an early age. His interest in art first emerged around the age of seven, during his elementary school years, and continued to grow with steadfast dedication through to his graduation from high school in 1993.

In 1994, just a year later, he took his first steps into the visual arts world by participating in a group exhibition. However, his artistic journey was briefly paused when he chose to work with foreign nationals in the field of design for handicrafts. He also gained valuable experience through his involvement in painting design on leather textiles—an exploration that further enriched his creative background.

After these diverse experiences, he has since returned to painting, reigniting his passion and continuing his commitment to the visual arts.

Style: Tradisi dan modern

Mediums: Traditional - Oil, Traditional - Acrylic