I Nyoman Erawan

I Nyoman Erawan
Description:
I Nyoman Erawan (1957- ; Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali) studied at the Institute Seni Indonesia (ISI, Indonesian Institute of the Art), in Yogyakarta, Central Java. His geometric abstract works often incoporate used materials and found objects. Erawan also is one of Indonesia’s foremost installation and performance artists. He has been invited to Basel, Switzerland. Award : Philip Morris Group (Indonesia, 1994). Collection : Museum fur Volkerkunde (Basel, Switzerland). Exhibitions : Festival of Indonesia (U.S.A., 1990-1992), Gate Foundation (Amsterdam, Holland, 1993), Queensland Art Gallery (Brisbane, Australia, 1993), Singapore Art Museum (1994), Gedung Departement Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan (Jakarta, 1995), Museum fur Volkerkunde (Basel, 1995-1996), Indonesia – Japan Friendship Festival (Morioka, Tokyo, 1997).
  Title : Untitled
  Artist : I Nyoman Erawan
  Media : Oil on canvas
  Size : 150 x 114 cm
  Year : 1990
Description:
Although untitled, there appears to be a Balinese Wadah (cremation tower) shown. The roof is viewed both from the top and side or front, crowned by a decaying red foliate ornament. Below this are geometric motifs arranged like a magically protective poleng (checkered cloth). Hourglass – shaped figures are like the traditional Balinese cili ( fertility symbol). The squares also are devided into four triangles which traditionally represent the earth. This patterned area is imperfect, appearing torn and tatered with a burned edge on the bottom. Perhaps this refers to the inevitable decay of physical things which leads to rebirt. The artist often sees ritual artifacts which he made burned during cremations.