Description
‘Teriakan Alam’ (Nature’s Scream’) by Ketut Jaya, 2019.
Inside the composition there is a figure, a shape of an animal. Visualisation of Nature’s condition with all the changes that is happening now that we did not foresee. I think it is because we have done so much in excess.. exploitation in the forests and oceans .. Everything was made in fact for balance and we did all that with no consideration of this balance, just a ripping away of what is wanted.
This is sort of what I was feeling when I painted this,.. the feeling, this frustration from Nature, this bounce back from that exploitation. Now is Natures’ turn to do what she wants. Now is when we are judged by Nature. Which can’t be stopped by technology.
~ Ketut ‘Kaprus’ Jaya
In many of Jaya’s works the abstraction has surpassed figurative shapes. Some have partial representations. In this one there is a whole distinctively separate and recognisable entity that is clearly an animal. Even if it is not clear what type of animal it is. There is no accidental or coincidental process of shaping of this figure. It is not definable because it is not the animal but its instincts that the artist wishes to convey.
With theme such as this in ‘Teriakan Alam’, you might expect that Nature’s wrath might have been represented by a giant ‘Raksasa’ or something that signifies the monumental size of Nature’s power. Instead, Jaya has depicted very clearly an animal. One whose size and characteristics even if not definite, is one we can relate to. Something akin to a dog or tiger or something like that. An animal has instinctive survival responses. It will respond spontaneously and quickly when there is a threat to it. This quick instinctive reaction and reflex from Nature once threatened, will be swift and fast.
There is a chaotic, frenzied energy around this animal figure. This is not necessarily signifying danger or negativity here, since in Jaya’s works it is typical to have intense energy and movement. However, there is something rather intense about the colour composition. It resonates destruction. Visually, perhaps like the aftermath of a massacre.
Many of Ketut Jaya’s works are coded with a subconscious symbolism. Perhaps not deliberate or academic. It is instinctive. it is a part of the very intimate relationship that lies between us and Nature within the Balinese culture. This language that unites the two worlds is one. Though unspoken it is well acknowledged by the majority.
About the Artist
Ketut Jaya was born in Budakeling Karangasem Regency Bali, on the 15th July 1970. A veteran of the highs and lows of Balinese Art Industry, he has remained constant to his art with no prevarications. Through three decades of professional art practice, much of his work has been categorised Abstract Expressionism. Whilst maintaining a constant discipline in developing his technical skills through portraiture and landscape. Ketut Jaya has maintained and guarded the purity of his creative process. True to self, to the moment, to Nature.
For catalogues on Ketut ‘Kaprus’ Jaya’s Portfolio visit the Artist Profile.
See Artist Profile
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