Batu 8 Studio. Home Is Where the Art Is

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

This article features Batu 8 Studio. Celebrating its 5th anniversary on September 11th 2024. A studio gallery since its establishment featuring artists such as Made Djirna, Made Budiana, Nyoman Erawan, Putu Sutawijaya, Sutjipto Adi, Made Palguna, Mahendra Mangku, Ida Bagus Putu Purwa and Teja Astawa. With collaborations across Art Institutions such as ISI Denpasar and SMK1 Sukawati (SMSR). A conversation with its Founder and owner contemporary artist Putu Bonuz Sudiana.

Sitting in the room of Batu 8 Studio, the relaxing conversations of Putu Bonuz’s voice echo in and out. With the humour, the nonsense that makes sense and no sense at all. A humour that has come to be known as the spirit and character of this space. An artist’s space, but one that is open for other artists, young and emerging as well as colleagues. A room to be expressive and full of spirit that is a unique mix of earthiness, wildness, and randomness. With all of this, it is steadfast in its identity.

Artistic Struggle and the Burden of Progress

Today, it is common to hear of many art spaces emerging, but just as often we hear of them no more. Disappearing, often overwhelmed by the many challenges of businesses in art. The art industry is a world full of contradictions. A minefield of invisible boundaries expected decorums and inherited adages through social and economic factors. It reflects human nature in the most ironic way. Because it is also in this creative world we have the freest room of expression to represent our ideals. Artists do this and yet they are challenged by so many things. 

Whether it is their egos, their artworks being market-ready, the changing trends, technology and the destabilising effects of digital platforms on art evaluation. Artists are no longer just concerned with creating art. They have to be agents of their work, they have to ‘brand and market their products’ and build portfolios on new and often changing technologies to stay competitive. Last (which should be first) they have to be pure in the creative moment to create true art… or ‘true art’ that the world likes and is willing to pay money for etc, etc. That’s the world for artists as we know it today.

Tough Soil Selects Strong Seeds

Once upon a time, the essential marketing of artists is represented through museums, sponsors and galleries. Consequently, a certain status quo within this ‘industry’ is formed. Galleries and artists were co-dependent in what should be a mutually symbiotic and natural partnership. We understand that this partnership does not often actualise that way. With uneven divisions of power and control in different sectors, and commercial agendas not always adhering to the expected rules of engagement, it has become harder for many artists to find a space in which they can develop their careers and exhibit their portfolios.

As a result, we have new seeds germinating in a tough terrain. Born out of the artists’ needs and often from artists themselves, who know full well the struggle their friends are facing. These independent creative spaces are the fusion between the sanctioned walls of renowned art establishments and the private sanctum of an artists’ studio. They breathe originality, accessibility and intimacy. Breaking down the formalities but finding a balance between system and freedom. A studio and a gallery. One such place we have come to know is the creative base of contemporary abstract artist Putu Bonuz Sudiana. Batu 8 Studio in Batubulan, Bali.

The Art Life Cycle. A Conversation with Putu Bonuz

“In the beginning, I created a private studio for me to have a creative space. And then towards having a display space for the work that I create. After which, is to make space for friends because they need it as well as fellow artists. But It makes me proud. It makes me happy. Very happy to be able to present a space to my friends and other young artists and students. I feel it is part of my duty and my job from the very beginning. It is my contribution back. Because through art I have received many things. That is why I feel proud to be able to offer this to my friends. This is a personal achievement that gives me great satisfaction.” _{^{~Putu Bonuz}}

I remember a conversation with Putu Bonuz, where he shared his history with me. It has to do with the character, struggle, and strength that were built and found at the roots of his hometown. 

“I come from an island called Nusa Penida. This island is known for its hardness, an environment that has to be strong to survive. Where I come from perhaps contributes in a significant way to my preferences of colour, and my expression as an artist. I like dark colours because I see them as an expression of strength. My character is not dissimilar. I identify with this hardness, a form of aggressive expression.” ^{_{~Putu Bonuz}}

The Brightness of Black

A Matter of Identity

This same spirit is not separate from which the foundation on which Batu 8 Studio was built. Perhaps that is why it is still growing and standing strong with its original and unique character today, where others have come and gone. Or have been diluted and overcome by over-commercialism.

However, when you walk in here, don’t imagine that it is all dark lines and aggression, it is far from that. There is warmth, a welcome and an abundance of humour. This is a house that has many friends, whether they are in music, art and entertainment or whether they are students who are just fledglings in the world. This is a space that is true to its identity and is honest in its way of sharing with the world.

Why do you think this is? I believe as Time does its miraculous wonders on everything in the world, so does Time do its wonders on ambition, strength and what Putu Bonuz terms as his ‘aggression‘. It is tempered, or perhaps it is weathered by other elements. Imbued by many things at first unseen. You don’t have to look far to see it. This is not simply the gallery of an individual artist. However, it is one of a father, husband and community member. The family is present here. The hospitality and the welcome are not solely the character of the artist, but that of a family. Batu 8 Studio at its heart has a family at its centre.

A Family of Colours

“For certain with the presence of this space, for sure I wouldn’t be able to handle this myself. As an artist, I am much happier making art. My son Ganesa understands how to manage an art space. If there are events, he handles all that is needed for that event. My daughter also studies fine arts. She is also actively creative in this space. My wife is also involved in the operations of this space. She knows the materials needed and manages the inventory of the Studio. We have no staff. I have my family who manages Batu 8 Studio together with me.” _{^{~Putu Bonuz}} 

“Because I wish for freedom but also a learning for them. As a parent, there is no way that we will handle this always. They have to learn and one day they may manage this their way. Perhaps in the future, it will be their view of the world, in their way. Perhaps I will only be helping as an advisor one day. We are not used to having staff. Perhaps I prepared this space where they can work. Not as a legacy of my art but as a place to work. For them to have the freedom to make this into their dream, not mine.” ^{_{~Putu Bonuz}}

That is a liberal view that is not common and shows perhaps the ability to evolve with open flexibility that allows Batu 8 Studio its steadfast organic growth.

Artist and Community

Today we are sitting here again, in the comfort, warmth and homeliness of Batu 8 studio, during days in which it is going through its rhythm. There are cycles and rhythms in every space, and we know Batu 8 Studio Art Space has a steady routine throughout the year. However, it will gear up and open its doors with an exhibition and an event at least twice a year.

And now right before its fifth anniversary, the family is getting ready for another exhibition opening. Featuring two artists Ketut Adi Candra dan Gusti Ngurah Putu Buda in an exhibition titled Semaraloka.

Batu 8 Studio is celebrating its Fifth Anniversary since its first opening in 2019.  As much as a celebration for Batu 8 Studio as an independent Art Space, it is the specific happiness of Putu Bonuz the artist who has nurtured and successfully translated his private creative world to be of positive relevance through its contribution to the art community of cross-generations. In the field of art, we know how precarious it can be. Art spaces with independent character and spirit are in themselves a healthy injection into the larger creative ecosystem. Many creative segments can benefit from spaces like that of Batu 8 Studio.

This family effort passes its first five-year milestone. A journey we can all celebrate. We wish Batu 8 Studio continued success in its ongoing journey. That it be filled with the many colours that can now blossom on its strong black base.

From the Community for Batu 8 Studio

For me as an artist, I feel we are lucky to have a space like this. It is difficult to find as many have closed. It is an alternative space for artists. This space is also a place for reunions for us to connect and talk about other things, sometimes we talk about memories or tease each other, and there is a lot of humour. Even though this space is not in a main street it gets a lot of exposure. He (Putu Bonuz)is very good at raising the activities of other friends. He is always raising friends. There is a lot of harmony in his family which I respect. I often stay at his home in Nusa Penida, his parents welcome me like their own son. The spirit is reinforcing for me. It is such a good example to motivate others. What he is doing is a real art life NUE!

Gusti Putu Buda

As a centre of movement. Movement, art and culture there. They represent a bridge also to be cross-cultural and egalitarian. Like the Bali Banjar but with a more global community. Bonuz is the catalyst because he is very social and is welcomed in many segments. Batu 8 and Bonuz are one packet, one personality.

Putu Suasta

I give applause to this space. Where many places for exhibitions over the years, don’t always show positive respect in their response to artist submissions. When we discussed with Jro and his wife for an exhibition, I was given the opportunity. I tried for this space. There are expenses but this is not a rental of space, it is a collaboration. I asked Gusti Buda to join me at this exhibition Semara Loka. So we came here together to Batu 8 Studio and we were allowed to present our work here. This is an applause for Batu 8. It is open and still accessible, he (Putu Bonuz) is fair with artists and there is no gap with other artists. 

Adi Candra