Balinese Hindu Philosophy in Mandala Painting

Abstract

The combination of art, religion, and spirituality in Bali is closely related and inseparable from each other and is reflected in mandala paintings. Painting is one of the dynamically developing branches of fine arts in Bali, ranging from classical to postmodern or contemporary. One of the unique paintings with an individual style in the middle of a collective culture is the mandala-themed painting by I Dewa Nyoman Batuan. Hinduism and the community environment inspire him to express his contemplation in the form of paintings. This research focuses on three problem formulations, namely the form of mandala paintings, the factors that encourage their creation, and the meaning of mandalas. This research was conducted using a qualitative method. Data related to the above problems were collected using interviews, observation, literature study, and documentation techniques. Data analysis was sharpened with aesthetic theory, theory of structure and change, and semiotics. These four theories are used to analyze each problem formulation. The results show that the form of mandala paintings by I Dewa Nyoman Batuan is purely an expression of ideas, notions, and personal experiences created freely by combining traditional and modern styles. The combination of the two styles creates new creations that are very distinctive with an abstract-symbolic style. The form of mandala painting includes a combination of line, shape, space, color, and texture. The structure of the painting consists of composition, proportion, unity, balance, rhythm, focal point, and contrast based on the mandala perspective.