I Gede Sukarya

I Gede Sukarya (b. 1995) was born in the old village of Bulian, Buleleng, Bali. Growing up in a modest environment shaped his sensitivity towards artistic expression. His interest in painting emerged during primary school, when he participated in art competitions that took him to the provincial level. In order to further develop his artistic practice, he moved to Gianyar and Denpasar while completing his vocational high school education, before pursuing a degree in Fine Art at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar through a scholarship.

During his studies, he actively explored various artistic media. His works are inspired by everyday life, customs, and cultural traditions. Through his explorations, he encountered a Balinese cultural heritage known as Seni Tatah an ancient carving technique found in traditional costumes such as Barong, Rangda, and wayang. From this discovery, I Gede Sukarya chose cowhide as the primary medium for his artistic practice.

Title :LAUTKU

Balinese wayang kulit culture continues to be nurtured and to thrive within Balinese society, closely tied to the relationship between customary traditions and belief systems that have developed in Bali. At the same time, Bali’s tourism is inseparable from the island’s rich marine ecology. Feeling a deep connection to the sea, Sukarya draws upon forms of marine biota commonly found in Bali. His inspiration is further shaped by observing how Gusti Nyoman Deblog, one of Bali’s masters, depicts marine life through his distinctive visual language, which has increasingly fuelled Sukarya’s enthusiasm to continually draw from what nature has created.

Size : 80 x 140 cm

Medium : Acrylic on cowhide

Year : 2025