With a strong Balinese background, Putu Sutawijaya develops his artistic and craftsmanship qualities through various encounters between Bali and Yogyakarta as well as several other countries (Malaysia, Hongkong, Europe). His experiences in meeting various communities of diverse cultures allow him to sharpen his understanding of many problems of mankind. Putu's works can be said as standing on the figure (of man), in particular his restlessness upon unstable situations. Putu sees that man is constantly in the state of an endless search, continues to be on the move, and deals with simultaneous risks as a consequence. Putu also highlights - in more specific cases - for instance, that violence in the society is ceaselessly happening.

The observation, the reading and also the restlessness of Putu Sutawijaya can be scrutinized through the burning expressions in his works. For example, a number of figures, without certain identities (face and gender), overlap in wild movements on the drawing space. Putu relies on the strength of lines, builds a dynamics of forms which is often rhtymic, at times full of tense clashes.

One of his works for this biennale, Unfinished (2003), also makes vivid of obsessions and ideas as well as his language of expression. On the vertical space, from the righthand side of the space, a herd of muscular figures appear in a position of moving toward one direction. Putu explains that the work is also based on his reflection on reality which never comes to an end. As in 'charging' and 'attacking' each other. The gesture of the figures show an energy-blown motion. The melting effect which smudges aside is like a haze of wind which was driven by a fast movement. A sense of haste and ferociousness is developed.

The work strongly reflects that every individual feels to have its existence when among the crowd. The feeling to be meaningful when in a group. Meanwhile the causes and the outcome of all the forms of violence and rage have never been clear. It is an unstable situation, without anything to hold on to or to look up to. Putu's works tend to be simple, trusting on the strength of lines with minimum strokes and color. Though visually simple, yet it is still capable to provoke sensitivity.

Suwarno Wisetrotomo

Born on November 27, 1971 in Angseri, Tabanan, Bali.
Studied at Indonesia Institute of The Arts (ISI), Yogyakarta (BFA; 1998).

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
1998 Gajah Gallery, Singapore.
1999 "Energy", Gajah Gallery, Singapore.
2000 Chouinard Gallery, Hong Kong.
2002 Chouinard Gallery, Hong Kong; "Metaphors of the Body", Komaneka Gallery, Ubud, Bali.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
1998 Philip Morris Indonesia Art Awards, National Gallery, Jakarta.
1999 "5 Indonesian Artists", Chouinard Gallery, Hong Kong.
2000 "Asia Contemporary", London, England.
2001 "Dermensch Als Mass", Der Kulturen Museum, Basel, Switzerland.
2002 "Bali Peace & Unity", Sika Gallery, Ubud, Bali.
2003 Group Exhibition in conjuction with the Canna Gallery Anniversary, Canna Gallery, Jakarta.

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