Balinese Painting and Sculpture: From the Krzysztof Mu - 9788361785538

The older styles of art were focused around areas of powerpalaces and temples. Art was consumed by the competing Balinese kingswho strove to make their palaces the most beautiful and ornate on the island. Likewise these many kingsqueenslords and ladies dressed in the most lavish textilesfrom imported Indian cloths to local home-spun productsmany of which were woven in the palaces. Kings and priests were meant to be practiced in the arts themselvesand did their own carving and paintingbut they also cultivated and supported great artists and craftsmen so that they would become their dependents. Most of the sculptors and painters were menwhile women produced beautiful textiles and elaborate offerings. Since all Balinese communities are so closely tied to religious practicetemples are the focus of Balinese spiritual lifeand the most important art should be therefor the gods to appreciate.