Museum of Oriental Art opens exhibition of Balinese art marking 75th anniversary of friendship between Russia and Indonesia

The State Museum of the Oriental Art in Moscow has opened the exhibition “Journeys of ancient heroes. Art of the island of Bali”. The display, compiled almost entirely from the museum’s own collection, is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Russia.

The exhibition features around 70 works of traditional Balinese painting created to adorn temples. Many works are anonymous – such was the tradition, as paintings were considered an offering from artists to the gods.

“We are pleased to present this beautiful, bright, sunny exhibition dedicated to two very important dates in the history of our countries,” said Vladimir Avetisyan, Deputy Director of the Museum for Development, at the opening.

The Ambassador of Indonesia to Russia, Jose Antonio Morato Tavares, noted that art serves as a bridge for strengthening relations with Russia. In an exclusive comment to TV BRICS, he spoke about the popularity of Balinese art.

“Indonesia is a country of islands. We have about 17,000 islands, three thousand of which are inhabited. And each island has its own cultural elements and its own traditions. [...] The island of Bali is an amazing combination of natural beauty and human talent. Thanks to this magical combination, we have a multitude of works of art. This is why Indonesians call Bali the ‘pulau (birthplace) of the gods’,” he said.

Galina Sorokina, the exhibition’s curator and senior research fellow of the museum, explained to TV BRICS that the paintings on display are mainly temple works from the 16th to the 20th centuries, created as offerings to the gods. The plots are drawn from the ancient Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, which, on Bali, acquired local features. The heroes of these tales became the central figures of narrative paintings whose storylines unfold in tiers – from bottom to top.

The exhibition is complemented by Wayang shadow theatre puppets from the Museum of Traditional Art of the Peoples of the World to illustrate the interconnectedness of different art forms. The same character could come to life both in the hands of a puppeteer and on a painted canvas.

Renowned Orientalist Vilen Sikorsky, who attended the vernissage, highlighted the uniqueness of Indonesian culture in an exclusive comment to TV BRICS.

“Bali is a completely unique world that has survived in a single place. At its core, of course, is the influence of Indian culture [...]. The second significant influence was Arabic, which was later transformed and became its own. [...] Genuine Balinese art is in no way inferior to the works of great artists.” He also expressed his delight that a painting he once donated to the museum was included in the exhibition.

Visitors can see “Journeys of ancient heroes” at the Museum of the Orient until 8 February.

Photo: State Museum of the Oriental Art