In celebration of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day and as part of the 2024 Powerful Indonesia: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika programme, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is pleased to announce the opening of the ‘Pancha Mahabhuta’ Art Exhibition. From August 17 to October 2024, The Apurva Kempinski Bali will host this exclusive exhibition in the Pendopo Lobby, showcasing the profound theme of the five elements—water, fire, air, space, and earth—through the eyes of two distinguished artists, I Made Griyawan and Teja Astawa.
‘Pancha Mahabhuta,’ derived from Sanskrit where ‘Pancha’ means five and ‘Mahabhuta’ signifies elements, reflects the fundamental forces that shape the universe and guide the balance and harmony of life. In Balinese philosophy, these elements symbolize the connection between individual existence (Bhuana Alit) and the greater universe (Bhuana Agung), representing the components that create harmony in life. This concept also resonates with Indonesia’s diverse landscapes (earth), maritime heritage (water), the spirit of its people (fire), the cultural traditions that bind the nation (air), and the spiritual essence that pervades Indonesian beliefs (space).
I Made Griyawan, a celebrated artist from Batuan, Bali, revives the traditional Batuan technique in his artwork. Influenced by his artist parents, Griyawan integrates traditional elements with modern techniques, creating pieces that reflect his personal and cultural identity. His innovative approach has earned him international acclaim, with exhibitions in Tokyo, the Tokyo International Art Fair, and the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. His work in this exhibition, including the new piece ‘Cycle of Life,’ highlights his mastery of the traditional style.
In contrast, Teja Astawa, a modern visual artist based in Sanur, Bali, offers a vibrant interpretation of the five elements. A graduate of the Indonesian College of Fine Arts (STSI) Denpasar, Astawa’s work features lively, colorful depictions inspired by themes ranging from animal figures to traditional puppet stories. His art has been exhibited in Indonesia, Korea, and Singapore, and is part of collections in the Museum of World Cultures in Germany and the Jeju Museum in Korea.
Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, expressed enthusiasm about the exhibition: “The Apurva Kempinski Bali is thrilled to celebrate Indonesian culture through this exhibition, offering guests a unique opportunity to engage with the elements that shape the world and ourselves.”
Discover more information about the ‘Pancha Mahabhuta Exhibition’.
