go to wear

Three Balinese women, in Bahasa tiga wanita Bali, stand side-by-side in this painting by Purwadi. Says the artist, "These three women are in preparation to go to temple." Each woman wears a traditional kebaya in tones of pink and beige. A kebaya is a form of clothing that women typically wear when they go to a temple. Purwadi paints this scene in a moody, expressionist style.

With a defiant look in her eyes, a nude woman crouches, gazing at something unseen. Balinese artist Aricadia paints the nude in his characteristic style, with bold splashes of primary colors filling the canvas. "The world is like a theatre," says Aricadia. "Many roles and masks we have been through and wear. How far we can go is dependent on how we play along."

Sharp and bold figures merge in a magnificent composition by Bali's Kasiyanto. Exuding strength and courage, this acrylic painting inspired by the region's classic arts aims to send a profound message: "Most humans wear masks to cover their shortcomings even though God created humans as the best creatures above other creatures," as the artist says.

The composition arrives signed and unstretched.

"My definition of world peace is the desire of every human being who decides and chooses to be at peace in their own way. If humans realize we can all choose to make peace by asking God to give us a heart that is peaceful and calm, then there will be no war. My hope for world peace is that all beings can individually create something good and respect each other, and then peace will be established," says Ida Ratna Ningrum.

The artist advocates for harmony and goodwill with her daydream-like painting "Pray for Peace." With idyllic realism, Ida creates a desert landscape symbolic of societal conflicts and scarcity, dominated by a prayerful young woman in a pink dress.

The artist explains that the cat and white rabbit symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, respectively, as they accompany the girl in her quest for peace. Circling above, white doves soar freely, symbolizing the release of a new period of peace under a pure blue sky. Thriving around the young woman, cacti, prickly pears and aloe represent the protection provided by mother nature, even in times of friction. An encouraging reminder of human resilience, the painting calls for a new peaceful era on planet Earth.

"Peace is the desire of every human being around the world," says the artist. "Prayer is a method of expression from a person to God and the universe. A sad girl sees a beautiful world without any feelings of peace, as if there is always war. She prays to God that the world will always be at peace without any war. If the world is free from war, the world will be peaceful, serene, and prosperous."