DENPASAR, balitourismnow.com – Nyanyian Dharma was held at Ruang Taksu, Gedung Dharma Negara Alaya (DNA), Denpasar, on Sunday evening (April 19, 2026), presenting a collaboration between music and visual art through a live painting format.
From the beginning of the performance, two large canvases were placed on the left and right sides of the stage. Throughout the evening, both canvases were gradually filled by visual artists Apel Hendrawan and Mangku Bonus, offering a live visual response to the music being performed.
“Tonight is not only special because Nyanyian Dharma has released a new EP after quite some time, but also because there are blank canvases that will be brought to life together,” said Trie Utami, affectionately known as Mba Iie, during the opening.
The collective body of work known as Nyanyian Dharma was initiated by Dewa Budjana in 1997. The lineup for this performance included Dewa Budjana (guitar), Trie Utami (vocals), IB Wicaksana, Gde Kurniawan, Agung Ocha (vocals), Rico Mantrawan (keyboard), Doddy Sambodo (bass), and Deny Surya (drums).
In addition to the musicians on stage, Agung Bagus Mantra was also acknowledged as an important figure in the journey of Nyanyian Dharma. While not performing as a musician, he has played a key role in helping the work find its space and presence in the public sphere.
During the performance, Dewa Budjana shared that Nyanyian Dharma began from a simple concern. He reflected on how certain regions have strong musical traditions tied to specific moments, while Bali had yet to develop a similar musical expression. From that point, Nyanyian Dharma emerged as both a search and a statement.
Trie Utami, who joined the project in 2006, described her involvement as something deeply personal. “Sometimes life doesn’t show you the way. But here, I feel like I’ve found my way home—meeting my own people,” she said.
The performance also introduced the mini album Idep, featuring five compositions: Kidung Nusantara, Tumpek Wariga, Ibu Pertiwi Lara, Catur Kanda, and Mulat Sarira. Several of these works were developed through a collective creative process in Ceto.
Longtime supporters of Nyanyian Dharma were also present among the audience, including individuals who have followed the project since its early years. Their presence added a sense of continuity, bringing together different generations connected to the work.
Some former collaborators and earlier formations were also in attendance, reinforcing the sense of shared history.
One of the most notable performances of the evening was Ibu Pertiwi Lara, written by Trie Utami. The song reflects environmental concerns, with lyrics that touch on deforestation, damaged marine ecosystems, and the declining vitality of the land.
The overall concept of Nyanyian Dharma is rooted in togetherness and collaboration. The artists describe it as an offering—a collective process that extends beyond music into other forms of expression, including visual art.
The term idep, meaning thought or consciousness, serves as a central thread throughout the works presented. In the context of the performance, it reflects a shared awareness that brings both performers and audience into the same space and experience.
This was also evident in the evolving paintings created during the performance. Symbols such as the lingga, trisula, and human heads emerged through the brushstrokes, reflecting ideas of clarity of mind and balance.
The Nyanyian Dharma EP: Idep is now available on digital platforms. [pran]