Putu Bonuz Sudiana, one of Bali’s abstract artists, shows his first solo exhibition in Singapore at Maya Gallery. Entitled “Magic Sound”, this exhibition explores the relationship between sound and the creative process. Putu Bonuz Sudiana takes the positive energy from his surroundings – from the human voice and natural sounds, to music of rituals and ceremonies – and expresses it rhythmically onto his paintings, until the composition, lines, textures and colours are in harmony with the canvas. Comparing the artistic experience to that of an orchestrated performance, the exhibition prompts us to question the notion and importance of harmony in our own lives.

To understand the intricacies of Putu Bonuz's visual language, we must first understand his everyday life along with his philosophies and life views. Not only within the context of how he views the art world, but how he fits into a wider role in society, such as being a father and a priest. From this standpoint, we can then understand the essence of the visuals that he instils on the canvas.

Inspired by the subject of sound, the plethora of sounds that often tickle his ears has its own distinctive tunes, acting as an orchestra that feeds on his creative process. Each sound that Putu Bonuz listens to has a distinctive energy which gives him fuel to orchestrate the visuals seen on the canvas. For example, from the Balinese religious activities seen around the community, he encounters many wondrous vibes such as the priests' rythmic chants, chimes of the holy bells, and sacred hymns sang throughout the procession, along with the dynamism of the Gamelan. He also finds the sounds of nature to be the key element that intuitively nurtures his sensibilities to the subject of sound. All of these sounds delve deep into his memory and turn into a magical energy that guides him to construct rhythmical compositions onto his canvas.

Putu Bonuz acts as a composer who coordinates a collection of sounds into a complete orchestra. He composes the lines, colours, shapes, and textures to create a harmonious composition that is able to stir the viewer's imagination. In the Magic Sound series, Putu Bonuz attempts to remind the viewer of the importance of life's harmony; he tries to awaken the consciousness that does not see life from conflicting opposites. Putu Bonuz tries to delve into life's dynamics; he accepts the many troubles and phenomenons as he sees them as the spice of life, and therefore needs no questioning. In his eyes, everything will be wonderful if all know their respective places, just like how an orchestra will sound beautiful when each instrument can play in harmony.

-I Made Susanta Dwitanaya
Art writer
Denpasar, Bali

-Maya Gallery

Image: © Putu Bonuz
Courtesy of the artist and Maya Gallery