About
THE GARDEN
Exhibition at The American Club Singapore
November 7th to January 7th, 2019
Art Launch
Friday, November 9th
Thinkspace, Level 3 at The American Club
6.30 PM – 7.30 PM
“A true Balinese garden is a thing of mystery and romance. ‘Mysterious’ because it poses questions about its inhabitants – the pixies suggested by the ornamental statues, and the spirits who occupy the ubiquitous shrine. ‘Romantic’ because it is in the soul of the Balinese who create gardens to love nature. It is Mother Nature’s embracing qualities – Her softness and Her allure that are felt in the Balinese home.”
–Made Wijaya (Michael White), 1999, Tropical Garden Design, co-published by editions Didier Millet and Wijaya Words, Singapore
For decades, the beauty and serenity of Balinese gardens have fascinated worldwide visitors, and are often depicted by lush landscapes blooming with flowers, shrubs, and trees. While the water element cools the scenery as still ponds, or trickling rivers and fountains, animals such as ducks, dogs, chickens, and insects inhabit the tropical haven. As well as an isle of paradise in the eyes of the world, these gardens also remain an integral element to sustain both spiritual and daily well beings of Balinese people, inspiring positivity, creativity, and beauty.
From the upcoming November 7th, 2018 to January 7th, 2019, a refreshing art experience titled “The Garden” will be featured in The American Club Singapore, a sanctuary within the fast-paced environment of Central Business District. Inspired by the deeply rooted ecological philosophies and botanical arrangements of Bali, visual treats from the island’s master artists and rising talents will be displayed side by side, inducing an alternate dimension into one of the world’s most sought-after retreat destination.
Envisioned to be a Garden City since 1967, Singapore is a celebrated society who had embraced nature as much as its modern infrastructure. From the majestically matured rain forest trees along the expressways and vast reservoir parks, to the landmark Gardens by the Bay, Singapore had designed and carefully constructed its developments to embrace and celebrate nature through its gardens.
From Bali to Singapore, the universal yearning for nature and beauty remains. These artworks will not only traverse distance across the Java Sea, but also reach out to many of different origins, cultures, and worlds beyond the spoken language, to momentarily withdraw in a mutual understanding of beauty and harmony.
Artists
Curated by Denpasar-based CushCush Gallery, “The Garden” features artists whose works embody the spirit of nature, landscapes, and beauty of Bali.
Guests will be welcomed by “Holy Garden”, a masterwork painting by celebrated artist Putu Sutawijaya (b. Bali, 1970) as an initial landmark into the realm. It is followed by a cosmology of meditative visuals by Wayan Sujana Suklu (b. Bali, 1967); sparked by experimental series of the sacred Biringan by multimedia artist Davina Stephens (b. New Zealand, 1968); soaked into the morning light and nostalgia vibe of the simpler village life, among sketches and paintings by Nyoman Wijaya (b. Bali, 1971) and Ida Bagus Putu Purwa (b. Bali, 1972); gently lulled through moonlight nuances by rising star Budi Agung Kuswara “Kabul” (b. Bali, 1982); and finally rested on the less explored medium of printmaking through the works of I Kadek Septa Adi (b. Bali, 1989).
THE GARDEN EXHIBITION CATALOG
Please click to download The Garden Exhibition Catalog