GIANYAR – The Gianyar Culture Office officially opened Pemeran Lukisan Tradisional (Traditional Painting Exhibition) at the Monkey Forest Ubud Gallery on Thursday. This landmark event marks the 255th anniversary of Gianyar City. The Head of the Culture Office signed a canvas alongside curators to signal the start of the festivities. This exhibition runs from April 2 to April 30, 2026.

Prioritizing Cultural Heritage and Artistic Preservation

The Gianyar Regency Government prioritizes cultural development as a core pillar of its regional vision. Cultural Head I Wayan Adi Parbawa delivered a speech on behalf of the Regent during the opening ceremony on Thursday April 2, 2026. He emphasized the importance of preserving arts, customs, and traditions. This exhibition serves as a concrete effort to protect ancestral heritage. These traditional paintings carry deep philosophical, spiritual, and aesthetic values unique to Bali.

Empowering Artists and Educating the Next Generation

This event represents the first traditional painting exhibition organized directly by the Gianyar Regency Government. Local artists provide essential support to ensure the success of this initiative. The government provides a dedicated space for creators to express their talents and reach a wider audience. This platform also educates the younger generation about the beauty of traditional art. Adi Parbawa hopes the exhibition inspires pride and strengthens the bonds between local artists.

Exploring the Theme of Growth and Continuity

Curator Prof. Dr. I Wayan Suardana introduced the exhibition theme: Gianyar Bhuwana Sumedhya Nityan Rahayu. This phrase translates to “Gianyar thrives in prosperity and sustainability.” The exhibition portrays the evolution of Gianyar painting as a process of nurturing rather than replacing the old. These artworks act as living archives that record the journey of the community. They showcase a perfect balance between modern changes and historical continuity.

Selecting Excellence Through Rigorous Standards

The exhibition features 70 talented painters representing all seven districts within Gianyar. Originally, 92 artists applied to participate in this prestigious cultural showcase. The curators implemented a strict selection process to maintain high artistic standards. Consequently, each district contributed a different number of participants based on the final evaluation. This rigorous approach ensures that the gallery displays only the finest examples of Gianyar’s traditional craftsmanship.

_{As reported by gianyarkab.go.id/ photo doc. gianyarkab.go.id}