Arie Smit

The extremely fertile soil and land of Bali is evoked by this rich landscape full of tropical trees and ricefields. Terraces break up the mountain sides; their various colors indicate different stages of planting and growth of rice. Blue and white show flooded fields, green the growing plants, and yellow the ripening grain. Rhythmic lines flow and brush strokes move throughout his densely textured painting. Rugged mountains in the distance give way to cloudy purple sky with hints of green to link in to the verdant land, creating a lively and totally unified composition.

A group of small shrines stand like silent, mysterious guardians below a towering banyantree. The enormous height of the tree is made clear by the rough, spontaneous brush strokes in the trunk and long aerial roots. The colors are cool, evoking a quiet and lonely mood. For the Balinese, however, it would be a haunted setting that evokes fear and respect. Large, old trees are believed to be the dwelling places of powerful spirits. Shrines and altars for offerings are built beneath such trees for their resident spirits.

While the artist rarely does portraits, this study of Neka Art Museum founder, Suteja Neka, shows him in a calm and casual mood. His facial expression is very relaxed, and this light feeling is further enhanced by the white headcloth. There is warmth, visually and emotionally, due to the use of red in the background, hibiscus flower, and color of his shirt.

Various temple structures made of coral appear less massive because of their light colors. Along with similarly colored tree trunks, they stand out in stark contrast from the surroundings, giving power to their shapes. The multicolored ground and upper leaves along with pale figures break up the darkness. The human figures are dwarfed by gates, towers, and trees, yet a man relaxing in a pavilion and women sweeping or sitting with their baskets are well integrated into this Balinese scene.