Paintings on Bali tragedy displayed

DENPASAR (indo.com): Balinese famous painters are exhibiting their works taking the theme of last year's Bali tragedy at Gaya Fusion of Sence. The exhibition will run through May 15, 2003.

Deeply concerned about the Oct. 12, 2002 Bali deadly bombing, the artists have expressed their grievances on canvas. Made Wianta, one of the painters, is displaying his works inspired by the tragedy and the tears of the victims' families who have lost their beloved ones.

The exhibition will also feature installation and performance.

The exhibition portrays horror and dismay resulting from the Bali tragedy. Some of the works are hanging on the walls of Gaya Gallery. Wianta scattered 2002 kilograms of rice sculpting into an oval shape in the middle of the galley. It portrays the Balinese world when the Bomb blast.

On the rice is the installation of eight directions of the compass. The painter places symbols of human remains and Balinese offerings. The gallery walls are all in black.

When the exhibition was opened, at least 300 fireflies were released. The natural flickering symbolizes the return of life.

The exhibition is meant to remind the public of the cruelty and inhumanity of terrorists. The exhibition is expected to stimulate other Balinese artists to express their concerns about the crisis the nation if facing through the medium of canvas.