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Bali Wood Art

For Centuries wood carvings in Bali was done for architectural purpose as ornamentation of temples, palaces and houses of high caste.
Art sculpture also made for religious purpose; statues of gods, mythological animals and demons. Mostly Bali wood carvings were painted in a variety of colors, very few carvings unpainted in their natural state.

In this time, Bali wood carving was not as an independent art form, mostly carvers’ imagination and ideas influence and lead by their traditional belief, myths and Hindu religion and done by special sculptor.
When the sculptor starts to carve, he must find good day according to Balinese calendar and chose a certain wood for certain building and purpose. Sometimes he asks Priest for blessing.

Since around 1930s, Bali wood carving was develop rapidly in new theme and styles. Firstly, influenced by two Westerner - Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonet, they encouraged Balinese artist to have freedom expression, not only religious purpose. Then, there were rapid development of new style and themes, especially of more naturalistic, secular figures and scenes, and completely different then the traditional decorative style of intricate, detail, painted mythological figures.