I interpret the process of ART as peeling off the SKIN and FLESH until I find the deepest CONTENTS of the Mind. This is what I call PURITY and ETERNITY, the achievement of EFFORT. - Wayan “Apel” Hendrawan -
Mountain
The beginning — where we receive Ash and first apply it to our work. The mountain becomes a symbol. I had no understanding of mountains; it emerged spontaneously on its own. I don’t know much about mountains. I am a coastal person. Where we live, we worship the ocean. When I pray at the temple, I worship the sea. My relationship with water is one of fear. I am afraid of its depth. I don’t understand why a mountain came to me in this way, why I visualise it. There is a code, kode alam, a connection to volcanic eruptions, and the idea of volunteer work — helping people.
Bhuana Agung, Bhuana Alit — the ocean and the mountain. The mountain is a spiritual journey.
Animals
The effect of the eruption mainly impacts the animals. The majesty of animals, like Ganesha, Pegasus, and the boar, comes into play. It's not a huge part of the narrative, but there is hope, sadness, and loss. The figures of animals appear — Sembrani, Ganesha, the boar. I connect these symbols to good fortune, protection, and guidance.
I once heard a story in Bromo, where people hoped for Sembrani’s passing — one of the signs they awaited. Animals are the messengers of Nature.
During covid, there were many requests for orders. Something that occurred during this time, there seemed to be a lot of interest in portraits of King Siliwangi. I do not know if there is a relationship between these figures that began to emerge during this time. There seemed to be an unusual interest in the Kings of Nusantara, in particular King Siliwangi. This is something mysterious and interesting to me.
monk
The skulls can be interpreted as manifestations of various egos and false identities. Stepping on them implies that the monk has melted into emptiness (śūnyatā), without any personal identity attached. Walking on the skulls, the monk is not insulting death, but dancing on the illusion of the world. Each skull is an ego abandoned, a desire conquered, and a fear stripped bare. He does not avoid death; he embraces it because only those who dance on death are truly alive.
This leads us to wisdom, symbolised through the monk.
Universal Energy
UlanTaga Paper
Since I started to explore art modre , the Ulantaga paper is very much connected to these old natural materials. The U lantaga paper is used in rituals and sacred ceremonies within Balinese Hindu traditions. For example, Ngaben Cremation ceremonies.
The colour and texture is beautiful and is a perfect partner to the aksara modre within my works.There is also an interest to raise awareness about our traditional materials, as they hold a key role in cultural sustainability. The process of making the paper itself is a form of art. It is part of appreciating the many layers of masterful artisanship within Balinese culture.
Credits:
Apel Hendrawan and Sawidji Studio & Gallery