*Reflecting the Theme of Myth and Memory
Photo: The leadership of ISI Bali and B-GAAD II delegates together with all contingents of the World Cultural Carnival ISI Bali, Tuesday (October 28) at the Design Hub Building, ISI Bali.
The World Cultural Carnival, part of the 2025 Bali–Global Axis of Arts and Design (B-GAAD) II series, successfully captivated international delegates visiting the campus of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI Bali) on Tuesday (October 28). This interdisciplinary art parade showcased the richness of mythology, creativity, and artistic ingenuity of students from all study programs at ISI Bali, woven together under the overarching theme “Tutur–Bhuwana–Tuwuh” (Myths–World–Memories).
Held following the commemoration ceremony of Youth Pledge Day, the carnival commenced in front of the Lata Mahosadhi Building, proceeded toward the Design Hub area, continued south to the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, and returned to the starting point. Along the route, participants presented thematic fashion parades, dance, theater, music, and artistic installations reflecting the identity of each study program. The main stage in front of the Design Hub Building became the focal point of the event, where all contingents performed their principal showcases before the Rector, university leaders, institutional partners, and international guests of B-GAAD.
Photo: The leadership of ISI Bali and B-GAAD II delegates watch the World Cultural Carnival ISI Bali, Tuesday (October 28) at the Bencingah of the Design Hub Building, ISI Bali.
A total of sixteen contingents took part in the performance, each interpreting the theme of Balinese mythology and cosmology through diverse artistic media. The Dance Study Program explored the sacred Sanghyang ritual; the Karawitan Program presented the resonant sound of kulkul performed live; while the Performing Arts Education Program showcased creative Cupak–Gerantang costumes.
The Puppetry and Theatre contingents combined wayang orang with body painting, whereas the Fine Arts Program presented memedi-median (spirit figures) visualizations using natural materials. The Craft Program highlighted the elegance of the dragon form, while Interior Design and Architecture presented artistic renditions of lelakut (scarecrows).
The atmosphere of valor and combat was strongly evoked by the Music and Digital Business contingents through the theme “Genderang Perang” (War Drums), featuring live wind instrument performances. Meanwhile, the Visual Communication Design Program enlivened the carnival with the theme Mayadenawa, accompanied by distinctive sound effects creatively produced by the students themselves.
Photo: The Dance Study Program performing Sasanghyangan at the World Cultural Carnival ISI Bali, Tuesday (October 28) at the Bencingah of the Design Hub Building, ISI Bali.
From a visual standpoint, the Photography Program captivated audiences with the theme Kalarau, employing dynamic reflector lighting effects; the Fashion Design Program presented the long-haired figure Dadayangan; while the Film and Television Production Program showcased Wong Samar, featuring mysterious camouflage costumes. Equally impressive, the Product Design Program introduced costumes inspired by Bedawang—a giant, scaly turtle—whereas the Animation Program staged a lively parade of Tantri-themed animal characters.
The postgraduate programs also enlivened the parade: the Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) highlighted the symbol of Garuda as a representation of strength, while the Master’s Program (M.A.) featured Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility, complete with tirta props and graceful live music accompaniment.
Each contingent consisted of approximately twenty members, including both faculty and students, presenting an artistic synthesis of fashion, choreography, props, and thematic music. This cross-disciplinary collaboration exemplified the rich artistic expression of ISI Bali’s academic community in responding to the overarching theme of B-GAAD II, which intertwines myth, world, and the memories of civilization. (ISI Bali/Public Relations)
