He reminds me of Bhoma, the spirit of the earth: Kan Kulak is a legendary artist in Ubud’s neighbouring village of Peliatan, representing Balinese culture and taksu (spirit). He studied art in Yogyakarta, but his main influence are his roots in Bali.
There is much more to discover in his art, diving deep into the complexity of Bali’s spiritual cosmos in Kan Kuak’s large black and white paintings.
Kan Kulak’s depiction of Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, shows how all creatures and spirits depend on her and are connected to each other. In Balinese belief, all the space around us is full of spiritual energy and living spirits, so in Balinese art you will often find the whole space on the canvas or sheet of paper filled with creatures.
Black & white drawing is an ancient art in Bali, using a bamboo stick to draw. Nowadays, graphit is used also.
Kan Kulak is also in charge of community projects, designing and supervising the production of sculptures such as the giant bull sarcophagi for cremation ceremonies or the creation of a monster for the Ogoh Ogoh parade on the eve of Nyepi.
Above: Ogoh Ogoh designed by Kan Kulak in collaboration with artist friend Epong and other community members from his banjar in Peliatan.
Soon more on Bali art, Kan Kulak and his friends.
