The Journey represents a celebration of Maya Gallery’s development. The island of Bali, known for its artistic and cultural heritage, was selected as the venue for the gallery’s first artist residency programme. It was also in the month of September 13 years ago in the artistic town of Ubud, Bali that the idea of starting an art space, dedicated to promoting the works of celebrated, established Singaporean artists as well as young local talents, began. This passion came into fruition when Jeffrey Wandly and his wife Masturah Sha’ari opened the Maya Gallery in Singapore in April 2012.
Renowned Singaporean watercolourist Idris Ali will show his new works inspired by the artist residency in Bali. An artist for more than 50 years, Idris is known for his watercolour landscapes of old Singapore in a realist yet nostalgic style. “Bali,” Idris says, “has opened my eyes to the simple life of the Balinese, yet filled with art and culture.” This observation is manifested in his works on the Balinese landscapes, where the pura or temples are painted with realism and renewed vitality, an artistic achievement for this 68-year old.
Second-generation Singaporean artist Sunar Sugiyou gives a fresh interpretation of Bali scenes in Chinese ink, a medium he has used since 2000. “Being in Bali evokes a certain kind of energy. Every one needs to go through journeys, and this is one of renewal for me as an artist.” This 51-year old’s paintings from the artist residency evoke a certain calmness, albeit the excitement from renewed possibilities of further regional collaborations.
Gallery owner and Singaporean artist Jeffrey Wandly gives heritage the honour it deserves with his charcoal paintings of national landmark buildings. On the exhibition he says, “Bali has a special place in my heart and its mainly due to the hospitality of the local people.” His works on Balinese faces reflect this feeling, which has translated into the forging of long- term friendships with the local community.
Well-known award-winning Balinese artist I Wayan Sujana (Suklu) will be showing his works at this Bali-themed group show. Suklu’s style over his 30 years of practising art has been described as figurative, decorative, abstract, even realist, and often meditative in nature. His works have touched on subjects of personal change, environment, politics, society and global issues. For this exhibition he explores the fluidity of forms in abstract style. He says, “When I look at objects, I see the "unseen things" beyond these forms. These “things” usually seduce my intuition to create new works of art, and that is my journey.”
Self-taught Balinese artist Huda Fauzan draws insiration from his gurus and other sources of knowledge. He is known for his works of Balinese life and its people in realist style. For this exhibition, Huda explores the subject of spirituality. “There are many ways to attain the path to greatness, in the hope that one’s praises and prayers will reach the Creator, and art symbolises this journey.”
