DENPASAR, balitourismnow—Viewing I Wayan Suardana’s paintings on display at the contemporary art exhibition “Bali Megarupa” will undoubtedly create a unique experience. The artwork entitled Kriya Metu-Manu-Urip provides a pleasant, even calming experience.
Human birth and the continuation of life are embodied in this symbolic work, offering moments of reflection and inspiration. The works offer beauty and radiate strength in the Nata-Citta Art Space (N-CAS) of the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Bali, where the exhibition is taking place. The exhibition runs from July 19 to July 28, 2025.
“I took the concept of my work from the Lingam-Yoni philosophy, as a symbol of Purusa (male) and Pradana (female) in Balinese Hinduism. The union of fertility and love then gives birth to life,” said Wayan Suardana happily.
This artist from Petulu, Gianyar, as well as a lecturer in Craft Department at the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Bali, has prepared an unusual work for Bali Megarupa 2025 as part of the Festival Seni Bali Jani or Bali Contemporary Arts Festival (BCAF), initiated by artist and cultural activist Putri Suastini Koster.
The materials used are also different from the usual. He uses old teak wood, shells, bones, Papuan bird feathers, and even a traditional mortar and pestle (a tool for processing rice).
This work visualizes the mortar as a yoni and the pestle as a lingam. Thus, both elements of traditional agriculture are now being replaced by modern technology. Inside the mortar, a mace, the weapon of the Creator Lord Brahma, is embedded.
In Hindu tradition, the mace is not just a weapon, but a symbol of the power of creation. On that account, this material is chosen as the visual center. The ancient function of this craft is to bridge form and meaning.
“The mace is not a weapon for destruction. It is a symbol of creation. Unlike the trident, the weapon of Lord Shiva, which symbolizes the power to dissolve and end,” Suardana explained clearly.
The object was then transformed into a craft installation filled with symbols of fertility and spirituality. “Metu means ‘birth’, Manu means ‘human’, and Urip means ‘life.’ These three words became the starting point for this work. It is simple, yet profound,” he explained.
Suardana did not immediately title it “Lingam-Yoni” because it was considered too vulgar. “I chose Metu-Manu-Urip so that people would reflect more deeply, rather than simply accept it,” he added.
Almost all of the materials in this work come from objects considered no longer useful. For example, the wooden mortar used was sourced from Java as in Bali are mostly found stone mortars.
“I would like to revive objects that were once very important in life, but have now been forgotten. The mortar and pestle are symbols of parents, home, and life. They are ancient objects, but presented in this modern era, they are unique,” said Suardana.
Furthermore, he is not the only one displaying works in the Bali Megarupa exhibition; some other artists are also participating. The artists provide an important platform for contemporary Balinese artists, both senior and younger.
The young artists participating in the exhibition were selected through an open call, while the older artists were invited directly. “The works of today’s young artists are extraordinary. They are excellent. Bali Megarupa is an important space for them,” he said.
In the world of craft art, Suardana is a craft artist who often explores spiritual, sacred, and symbolic themes. His ideas are inspired by the forms of ancient Balinese rerajahan (sacred images) possessing a surreal character long before the Western art world recognized them.
“The rajah is scary but powerful. Head is directly drawn with feet, hands without a body. It’s expressive and unique. We have them all, however, we’ve been late in discussing it,” said Suardana.
As an academician, he feels to have a responsibility to revive local values having been passed down for ages. “We are not inferior to the outside world. Our cultural foundation is very strong. Our duty as artists and educators is to revive them,” he emphasized.
Suardana’s work has not only graced exhibitions on the Island of the Gods but also on national and international stages. Metu-Manu-Urip is one of the works reflecting conceptual depth.
Besides, it also possesses symbolic power and perseverance in transforming traditional materials into contemporary art discourse. “I would like this work to touch on the meaning of life. Art is our way of returning to our origins. Returning to our roots,” he concluded. [buda]