"In my opinion, art is strong when you can feel its energy, when you wonder where it comes from, shakes your mind and soul."
Putu Wirantawan is a prominent contemporary artist, who invites viewers into an abstract realm of geometric structures reminiscent of galactic landscapes and vast sanctums at the edges of the cosmos. His work serves as a portal where the infinite meets the intimate, inviting contemplation of the mysteries that lie beyond our everyday perception.
His compositions, which often rely on the Golden Ratio, establish an invisible order within the dimensions of the natural world, between the macro and micro-cosmos. The work of Putu Wirantawan seems to facilitate a connection with higher universal intelligence, from his pieces emanate a sacred energy.
Armed with a classic fine arts foundation, and a mastery of traditional mediums such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor, Wirantawan first produced both figurative and abstract pieces. As he felt confined by these genres and sought a new direction he returned to the basics of drawing, allowing his intuitive impulses to guide him, weaving spontaneous ideas into larger compositions.
The artist’s creative process became a dynamic interplay of imaginative energy between his conscious and subconscious, enabling him to create authentic works that seem to emerge from an inexhaustible well of inspiration.
Working primarily with pencil and ballpoint pen on paper, often enhanced with vibrant touches of color, Wirantawan draws upon the principles of surrealism and abstract art:
“Many of my ideas arise from simple objects or atmospheric elements like sunlight, fire, water, and smoke. These elements possess a magic that ignites my imagination, allowing me to transform what I observe into something entirely new.”
For Wirantawan, drawing serves as a form of soul therapy, providing a flexible and spontaneous medium that transcends the limitations of traditional materials.
Central to his work is the principle of sacred geometry, where harmonious arrangements of lines and forms engage the subconscious mind. The circle, a recurring motif in his art, symbolizes nature’s perfection—representing floating disks, planets, and radiant orbs.
“Geometry is the essence of all natural shapes on earth and in the cosmos,” he states.
“All cycles of life follow a repetitive circular order of birth, death, and rebirth.”
The interplay of color in Wirantawan’s work explores the duality of black and white, with the psychological impact of this contrast creating dramatic depth. Imagery morphs fluidly between light and dark, forming discernible yet surrealistic shapes.
Wirantawan's artistic contributions have garnered recognition worldwide, being part of several museum collections, among which the National Museum of Fine Art of Taiwan, the Museum of World’s Cultures of Frankfurt, the Silpakorn University’s Museum (Bangkok) and has been granted awards by significant institutions, such as 1st Prize of Jakarta Awards, Finalist of UOB Painting of the Year Competition (Singapore) or Best Painting by Indonesian Institute of Arts (Yogyakarta).
His series Gugusan Energi Alam Batin (The Configuration of the Natural Energy of the Soul), epitomizes his metaphysical exploration and artistic evolution. Wirantawan has cultivated a distinct style that is both compelling and resonant, firmly establishing his unique signature within the global art landscape, deeply resonating with the philosophical tenets of Balinese Hinduism.