GIANYAR, balitourismnow.com – Whenever he holds an exhibition, I Nyoman Sujana Kenyem consistently presents captivating works of art. His creations blend traditional Balinese narratives with a contemporary artistic vision, often highlighting the concept of balance and harmony.
His paintings are also known for their abstraction of light, strong natural colors, and mysterious figures. It is no surprise that artists and art enthusiasts alike eagerly follow his exhibitions wherever they are held. Some even visit his studio. Why?
Art Kenyem Studio, the creative space where Nyoman Sujana Kenyem works, is located in Banjar Kutuh, Sayan Village, Ubud, Gianyar. Upon arriving, visitors are immediately drawn to the wide array of nature-themed paintings.
The studio has two floors. The first floor serves as Kenyem’s daily workspace. Painting materials such as canvases, stretchers, watercolors, brushes, palettes, and more are neatly arranged on dedicated shelves. Newly completed works are also displayed here.
These paintings vary greatly in size, yet they maintain a distinctive theme and style. Several older series and pieces from his personal collection are also displayed on the walls of the ground-floor studio.
On the second floor, more of Kenyem’s works in various sizes adorn the studio walls, while others are neatly arranged on special racks. Many depict natural landscapes with rocks, where human-like figures stand with arms outstretched.
On another wall, there are paintings of trees rendered in elegant colors, also featuring human figures with outstretched arms. These figures have become iconic in his works and are inspired by falling leaves.
“It reflects my philosophy of life,” Kenyem says with a smile. “As children, we depend on our parents. As we grow, we choose our own paths—just like leaves that initially depend on the tree.”
“As they age and dry, leaves fall, carried by the wind. Yet they do not simply become waste—they can nourish other trees. That is life,” he adds.
A series of tree paintings resembling human faces brings a playful and thought-provoking touch. The signature human figures with outstretched arms remain present. The trees are painted in a variety of colors—yellow, green, purple, and more.
Another series featuring trees with golden suns also decorates the studio. His latest works still revolve around tree themes, rich in detail and beauty. At the base of the trunk, there is often a hollow opening. Within it, distant landscapes can be seen.
“This hollow tree carries deep meaning,” Kenyem explains. “It symbolizes change and transformation. The view inside represents possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.”
These hollow-tree paintings have been widely collected by art enthusiasts, with variations in size and color. Kenyem is currently working on a large-scale piece measuring 350 cm by 150 cm.
Interestingly, in a single canvas, he paints nine trees lined up from left to right, with only the middle tree featuring a hollow. He has previously created similar wide-format works depicting rows of trees.
The strength of Kenyem’s work lies in the meticulous detail of branches, leaves, trunks, and roots, requiring precision, patience, and dedication. The aesthetic and thematic elements are harmoniously unified with bright colors.
Most of Kenyem’s works revolve around nature—landscapes, forests, and trees—rich in meaning and educational value. In many cases, massive deforestation has had severe impacts on environmental sustainability and life on Earth.
The greenhouse effect and industrial activities that produce heavy air pollution have led to extreme climate change. Through his tree paintings, Kenyem seeks to remind people to care for nature.
If nature is damaged, humans and other living beings will suffer the consequences. Therefore, planting trees is essential to maintaining the Earth’s balance and ensuring a livable environment.
Planting trees helps preserve natural balance. Excess carbon from air pollution is absorbed by trees and returned as oxygen for humanity. Likewise, global warming can be reduced by the presence of lush greenery.
“That is why I remain committed to creating works centered on trees. There is an important message I want to convey,” concludes the artist, who was born in Banjar Kutuh, Sayan, Ubud in 1972 and graduated from STSI Denpasar (now ISI Bali) in 1998.