LANUSA, I. NYOMAN (1946 - )

**PRICE ON APPLICATION**
 
“Lovers” (1973)
Oil on canvas
Cm
Signed lower right
*purchased from the artist’s studio, Bali
*private collection, Melbourne
 
Lanusa is a prominent Balinese painter. He was born in the village of Peliatan. His artistic talent was revealed by his grandfather, Wayan Gasek, a prominent sculptor. After graduating from elementary school, 1960, he began to study painting under Djodjol, a painter from Tebesaya. He is best known for his paintings of traditional demons and witches in contemporary settings with new meaning. Much like friend and fellow important Balinese artist, I Ketut Budiana (also in the Belle Epoque Collection), his works are darker canvases combining traditional motifs of power, such as flames and divine weapons, with a tendancy towards abstraction. This is what makes this work so unique, as it is a gentle, intimate depiction of two lovers embracing. The work was purchased directly from the artist's studio in 1973, despite Lanusa's reluctance to sell such a personal, sentimental work.