I Wayan Upadana observes that Bali, as an integral part of Indonesia, carries the evocative imagery of the “Island of the Gods” or a paradisiacal destination. Beyond its physical beauty, Bali embodies a vibrant living culture, characterised by rich artistic activities and unique religious rituals that draw numerous tourists to its shores. However, alongside these visitors come both positive and negative impacts, as the convergence of cultures leads to a shifting cultural landscape where sacred and secular spaces intermingle. Despite these challenges, Upadana notes the resilience of the Balinese people in preserving their traditional customs amidst the currents of modernity and globalisation, resulting in a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation.
Upadana recognises creativity as an integral aspect of Balinese religious life, with local art forms such as Kamasan and Batuan style paintings, and Mas Ubud sculptures serving as wellsprings of inspiration. In his own artistic practice, he incorporates contemporary elements into traditional motifs, reflecting on cultural discourse and contemporary social realities. By blending diverse cultural influences in both materiality and thematic exploration, Upadana aims to create artworks that resonate with the evolving values of Balinese culture and beyond. For him, art is a dynamic process that evolves alongside the artist and their environment, serving as a medium to raise awareness of cultural shifts and foster dialogue on changing societal values.
I Wayan Upadana was born in Gianyar, Bali 9 September 1983. He is an Indonesian artist, painter and sculptor, working and living in Bali, completed his art education at ISI Yogyakarta, Indonesia, majoring in sculpture (2008). Member of G-five art collective, who actively explore material-based on their artworks base. His solo exhibition Misty Myths at Orbital Dago Bandung, Indonesia 2023; Memory was held at Fremantle Art Centre, Western Australia 2016. Meanwhile, he has participated in various group exhibitions including: Jakarta Biennale #14, 2011, Maximum City, National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta, “Skala ” Triennale Sculpture at Indonesian National Gallery, Jakarta, 2017, and Beyond : Balissering, at Fortyfive Downstair Gallery, Melbourne Australia 2016. Upadana has done art residencies at Fremantle Art Centre Western Australia in 2014, All Saint’s College Western Australia 2019 and the Marble art residency at Gallery National Langkawi, Malaysia.
Selected Exhibitions
2024 – Aotearoa Art Fair, Redbase, Auckland, New Zealand
2024 – Cross of the Matter, Redbase, Sydney, Australia
2023 – Misty Myth, Orbital Dago, Bandung, Indonesia
2017 – “Skala” Triennale Sculpture, National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
2016 – MEMORY, Fremantle Art Centre, Fremantle, Australia
2016 – Balissering, Fortyfive Downstair Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2014 – Home, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2011 – Jakarta Biennale #14 “Maximum City”, National Gallery of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
