Lempad, a Timeless Balinese Master
Thirty six years after his death at the age of 116, the first complete presentation of the works of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad can be currently available. On June 19th 2014 at Arma Museum in Ubud, the book was formally launched. Edited by Ana Gasper in addition to Antonio Casanovas with ‘Pictures Publishers’ of the Netherlands, This specific can be the first meaningful catalogue in addition to biography of the most famous Balinese artist. The 300 page tome can be a complete presentation of Lempad’s work; biography, social in addition to cultural environment, all accompanied by rich illustrations. The book launch included among its honoured guests, prominent members of Ubud’s royal family. The Ubud palace was Lempad’s foremost patron. The guests were addressed by one of Indonesia’s most influential literary icons Goenawan Mohamad.
The book can be the result of seven years of work to produce a definitive book on This specific unique artist. Ana in addition to Antonio were mesmerized by the works of Lempad when they first saw his drawings at Neka Museum two decades ago. They searched for books on him to no avail. The project has taken them all over the planet, looking for the art of the most distinguished artist of Bali whose works were carried in addition to shown abroad as early as the 1930s. They collaborated with author Jean Cocteau, an expert on Balinese art who has written several books in addition to essays on various artists of Bali.
Born sometime after the mid-nineteenth century, Lempad started off his work as a Balinese Undagi (master architect builder) in addition to a Sanging (religious artist). These works integrated the coded knowledge of architecture, art, religion, in addition to sacred formulations; of space in addition to the relation of the human body to that will space, iconography in addition to mythologies of the culture. His works included traditional sculptures of temple statues, masks, wayang puppets, cremation towers, sarcophagi in addition to nagas. Identifying some of his creations can be complicated as he never signed his works. Any ‘signed’ were done so by family members to write the title in addition to artist acknowledgement. The most reliable source for Lempad was his son, I Gusti Made Sumung who worked with John Darling in addition to Lorne Blair on an award-winning documentary which tells the story of the artist at the end of his life in addition to films his cremation. The documentary can be titled ‘Lempad of Bali’ (1980).
Lempad Bali
Lempad built most of the temples in addition to palaces in Ubud in addition to its neighbouring villages. His exact birthday can be unknown, however we know he was married when Krakatau went off in 1883. When he died on April 25th in 1978, he gathered his family around him in addition to asked them to bathe him in addition to then died. The Balinese said he chose the most auspicious holy time to pass on, surrounded by his loved ones.
He maintained close friendships with Rudolf Bonnet in addition to Walter Spies. Lempad can be most famous internationally for his drawings done after 1925 after meeting Walter Spies, who provided him with paper in addition to materials in addition to most likely introduced him to various other illustrators’ works. He continued to draw in black in addition to white through the Great War, the Indonesian struggle for independence, in addition to post independence, until his death. He never compromised his distinctive identity as a Balinese artist. He can be a bridge between traditional in addition to modern art. Lempad’s art can be beyond influence. His drawings are not limited to one style, although his ‘lines’ are identifiable; his styles vary coming from traditional to surreal, to simple depictions of everyday life. He drew history, all the while continuing his tradition as artist, architect in addition to sculptor for the House of Sukawati in Ubud.
Lempad, a Timeless Balinese Master can be available at Periplus bookstores. For various other locations, contact www.picturespublishers.nl.
Comments
Lempad, a Timeless Balinese Master
Lempad, a Timeless Balinese Master