GIANYAR, balitourismnow.com – ARMA Museum proudly presents “Jean Pécasse: Colors of Bali”, an exhibition celebrating the life and artistic journey of Jean Pécasse, a Dutch painter whose works beautifully capture the soul of Bali.
This exhibition is hosted by ARMA Museum as part of a special occasion to welcome the generous gift from Mrs. Fedorine Smit and Gusti Komang Ngurah Lanang Men, who has entrusted part of 32 Jean Pécasse’s collection to become a permanent part of ARMA Museum’s Collection. Exhibition from March 1 to 7, 2025.
Unlike commercial exhibitions, there will be no buying or selling of artworks, as all paintings will be preserved as part of ARMA Museum’s permanent collection, ensuring that Pécasse’s legacy remains in Bali for generations to come.
Jean Pécasse: An Artist Who Painted the Soul of Bali
Born in the Netherlands in 1937, Jean Pécasse studied at the City Academy in Maastricht and the Royal Academy in The Hague. After two decades as an educator, he transitioned into full-time painting, dedicating much of his later life to exploring and documenting Bali through his art.
Pécasse’s watercolors reflect more than just landscapes; they capture the rhythms, emotions, and spirit of Balinese life. His mastery of an old glazing technique—once used by Rembrandt—allowed him to create vibrant yet delicate compositions, bringing movement and depth to his paintings.
His work has been exhibited across Europe, Indonesia, and Singapore, with commissions in Sri Lanka, Greece, and Singapore.
The exhibition is rooted in a long history of friendship and shared passion for preserving Balinese art. Agung Rai, Founder of ARMA Museum, recalls his deep connection with Mrs. Fedorine’s late brother, Mr. Huug who lived in Bali in the 1980s.
During this time, he encouraged Agung to collect Balinese paintings by foreign artists—a vision that shaped the museum’s collection. Through this bond, Mrs. Fedorine played a crucial role in acquiring Balinese paintings from the Netherlands, contributing to ARMA’s growth as a cultural institution.
Reflecting on this meaningful journey, Agung Rai shared, “I feel incredibly grateful and honored to receive this generous gift from Mrs. Fedorine and Gusti Komang Ngurah Lanang Men. Our friendship has spanned decades, built on a shared love for art, culture, and Bali itself.”
“I still remember the early days when her late brother and I exchanged ideas about creating a museum that would not only preserve Balinese heritage but also recognize the foreign artists who fell in love with this island,” said Agung Rai on the sidelines of the opening of the exhibition, March 1, 2025.
Now, years later, to see this vision realized through the works of Jean Pécasse is truly heartwarming. “It is a beautiful testament to our long-standing friendship and our mutual commitment to safeguarding artistic heritage,” said Agung Rai.
Adding to this sentiment, Agung Yudi Sadona, Director of ARMA Museum, expressed, “It is a great honor for ARMA Museum to receive Jean Pécasse’s works. His paintings hold not only artistic value but also historical and emotional significance. This exhibition is a tribute to his love for Bali and a continuation of our mission to preserve and celebrate foreign artists who have contributed to the island’s rich cultural landscape.”
Agung Yudi Sadona added, the exhibition will also feature a special robe from Mrs. Fedorine Smit, adorned with artwork by one of her late brother’s students in the 1980s. This symbolic gesture represents the shared history and friendships that have shaped this exhibition. [ras]