GUNARSA, NYOMAN (1944-2017)

"Balinese Dancers" (1999)
ink on paper
40 x 50cm
signed upper right
*private collection, Melbourne
 
Gunarsa was a major Indonesian Contemporary artist. He received his formal artistic training from Akademi Seni Rupa Indonesia in Yogyakarta. He is best known for his bright, expressionistic depictions of traditional Balinese dancers. He helped to establish the Sanggar Dewata Indonesia (Superior Indonesian Artist Studio) for the development of contemporary Indonesian Art. In 1994, Nyoman Gunarsa established Museum Seni Lukis Klasik Bali in Klungkung, dedicated to classical and contemporary Balinese painting.  The museum plays a pivotal role in the preservation and documentation of Balinese visual culture for future generations. His solo exhibitions were held at Chase Manhattan Bank, Jakarta (1987), Arcade Gallery, San Francisco, USA (1991), Blance Gallery, Osaka, Japan (1992), Gallery 21, Singapore (1993), etc.  His works are represented in many important institutions worldwide.