Exhibition
ROOTS
Exhibition on the history of Bali with works by contemporary Balinese artists and excerpts from Schindhelm's documentary "Roots".
Veranstaltungsdetails
The exhibition revolves around the fascinating figure of Russian-born German artist Walter Spies (1895 - 1942), whose influence on Bali's cultural landscape still resonates today. Spies' legacy is closely interwoven with Bali's contemporary narrative, and ROOTS aims to showcase his profound impact while exploring the island's post-colonial legacy over the last century.
At the center of ROOTS is Villa Iseh, a retreat built by Spies in 1937 in Iseh, Karangasem. Originally a retreat for Walter Spies, it later became a popular destination for the rich and famous, including David Bowie, Yoko Ono and Mick Jagger. Visitors are invited to explore the maze of rooms in the villa, from the reception area to bedrooms, corridors, living areas and a pool room.
The exhibition will explore the themes of mass tourism, environmental degradation and the complex interplay of cultural identities in Bali. Highlights include works by painter Made Bayak and graphic designer Gus Dark, which explore the Balinese struggle to preserve their cultural identity in the face of contemporary challenges.
A series of films and installations reflecting key moments in Balinese history, including the 1965 genocide, will also be shown. Excerpts from Michael Schindhelm's docu-fiction ROOTS will accompany the exhibition. The film shows Walter Spies moving through the modern landscape of Bali. Through encounters with Balinese artists and personalities, the spirit of Spies wrestles with his own heritage and the lingering influence of Western civilization on the island. Visitors are invited to accompany him on his journey across the island today, 99 years after the painter's first visit.
ROOTS honors Spies' extensive legacy by weaving his story into Bali's contemporary narrative and exploring the complexities of cultural exchange. Through dancer Dewa Ayu Eka Putri, musician Putu Tangkas Adi Hiranmayena and Balinese contributors including internationally renowned choreographer Wayan Dibai, gallery owner Agung Rai and many others, the spirit of Spies is brought to life in this exhibition.
In 1923, Walter Spies left Europe for the tropics in search of a new world and artistic inspiration. Despite his significant influence as an artist, his story has largely faded from Western consciousness. Born in Moscow in 1895 and tragically killed at sea off the coast of Sumatra in 1942, Spies' legacy remains influential a century after his arrival in Bali. Regarded by the Balinese as a pioneer of modernism on the island, Spies underwent a profound artistic transformation under the pervasive influence of Balinese art.
Despite exhibitions in Berlin and Dresden and friendships with respected artists ranging from Oskar Kokoschka and Otto Dix to Friedrich Murnau, Margaret Mead and Charlie Chaplin, his reputation in his homeland is no match for his revered status in Bali.
Contributors and additional information:
Michael Schindhelm, Made Bayak, Gus Dark
Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.
At the center of ROOTS is Villa Iseh, a retreat built by Spies in 1937 in Iseh, Karangasem. Originally a retreat for Walter Spies, it later became a popular destination for the rich and famous, including David Bowie, Yoko Ono and Mick Jagger. Visitors are invited to explore the maze of rooms in the villa, from the reception area to bedrooms, corridors, living areas and a pool room.
The exhibition will explore the themes of mass tourism, environmental degradation and the complex interplay of cultural identities in Bali. Highlights include works by painter Made Bayak and graphic designer Gus Dark, which explore the Balinese struggle to preserve their cultural identity in the face of contemporary challenges.
A series of films and installations reflecting key moments in Balinese history, including the 1965 genocide, will also be shown. Excerpts from Michael Schindhelm's docu-fiction ROOTS will accompany the exhibition. The film shows Walter Spies moving through the modern landscape of Bali. Through encounters with Balinese artists and personalities, the spirit of Spies wrestles with his own heritage and the lingering influence of Western civilization on the island. Visitors are invited to accompany him on his journey across the island today, 99 years after the painter's first visit.
ROOTS honors Spies' extensive legacy by weaving his story into Bali's contemporary narrative and exploring the complexities of cultural exchange. Through dancer Dewa Ayu Eka Putri, musician Putu Tangkas Adi Hiranmayena and Balinese contributors including internationally renowned choreographer Wayan Dibai, gallery owner Agung Rai and many others, the spirit of Spies is brought to life in this exhibition.
In 1923, Walter Spies left Europe for the tropics in search of a new world and artistic inspiration. Despite his significant influence as an artist, his story has largely faded from Western consciousness. Born in Moscow in 1895 and tragically killed at sea off the coast of Sumatra in 1942, Spies' legacy remains influential a century after his arrival in Bali. Regarded by the Balinese as a pioneer of modernism on the island, Spies underwent a profound artistic transformation under the pervasive influence of Balinese art.
Despite exhibitions in Berlin and Dresden and friendships with respected artists ranging from Oskar Kokoschka and Otto Dix to Friedrich Murnau, Margaret Mead and Charlie Chaplin, his reputation in his homeland is no match for his revered status in Bali.
Contributors and additional information:
Michael Schindhelm, Made Bayak, Gus Dark
Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.