Balinese Illustration Works by Visual Communication Design Students of ISI Bali, Documentation: Nuriarta, 2026
The exhibition theme “Karta Mandala” is interpreted as a balance between traditional and modern concepts in the creation of illustrative works by students of the Visual Communication Design (VCD) Program, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (FSRD), Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali). The exhibition was held over three days, from 16 to 18 January 2026, and comprised an opening ceremony, a talk show, and a closing session. The events took place at the Kriya Building of Taman Budaya (Art Centre), Nusa Indah Street, located to the south of the ISI Bali campus.
The opening of the “Karta Mandala” Exhibition was officiated by the Coordinator of the Visual Communication Design Study Program, Gede Bayu Segara Putra, S.Ds., M.Sn. In his capacity as Program Coordinator, Bayu Segara expressed strong appreciation for students’ initiatives in actively organizing illustration exhibitions. The opening ceremony, held in the front courtyard of the Kriya Building, was also attended by the Head of the Section for Arts Presentation and Development, I Gede Arum Gunawan, S.Ag., M.Ag., representing the Head of the UPT Taman Budaya, as well as the lecturer of the Balinese Illustration course, Visual Communication Design faculty members, exhibition participants, and members of the public. The event was attended by more than 70 participants from diverse backgrounds, including students and the general community.
Group photo with Visual Communication Design students, VCD lecturers, the VCD Program Coordinator, and a representative of Taman Budaya (left); appreciation of student works in the exhibition space (right). Documentation: DKV-B, 2026.
The exhibition involved 37 Visual Communication Design students enrolled in the Balinese Illustration course, presenting works in the styles of Wayang Kamasan, Wayang Ubud, as well as illustrations depicting the traditional daily life of Balinese society. A total of 63 illustration works and 39 illustrated stories were exhibited. In addition, the exhibition featured digital works in the form of Public Service Advertisements (PSAs) created using digital techniques. These PSA works continued to incorporate wayang figures as central visual elements.
The exhibition functioned as a bridge for harmonizing tradition and innovation. The displayed works demonstrate that VCD students of ISI Bali are able to maintain the continuity of traditional values while remaining open to change and intercultural dialogue. Balinese traditional illustrations serve as evidence that tradition is not static, but rather a living entity that continues to evolve over time. The inclusion of themes drawn from everyday life is particularly significant, as it reveals that traditional aesthetics are not confined to sacred spaces or epic narratives, but are also embedded within daily activities. Illustrations of everyday life often adopt Balinese traditional visual principles, such as narrative composition, symbolic representation, and the depiction of space as flat yet richly detailed. Through these works, art audiences are invited to perceive Bali not merely as a tourist destination, but as a living space imbued with spiritual values, communal bonds, and an awareness of ecological balance.
Talk Show
Visual Talk flyer for the “Karta Mandala” Exhibition. Documentation: DKV-B, 2026.
On Saturday, 17 January 2026, a work discussion session was held in the exhibition space. Two invited speakers, Cokorda Alit Artawan, S.Sn., M.Sn., and Dr. I Wayan Nuriarta, S.Pd., M.Sn., were present to deliver overviews of Balinese illustration. Cokorda Alit Artawan provided a concise account of the emergence of Balinese illustration, while I Wayan Nuriarta discussed illustration from a cultural studies perspective. The talk show was attended by Visual Communication Design students as well as members of the general public. The discussion was lively, focusing on illustrations as visual texts and the narrative dimensions of the works.
On this occasion, students of DKV-B also actively discussed their selected works. They explained their creative processes, ranging from idea development and initial sketching to the finalization of the artworks. Visitors showed strong enthusiasm in engaging with the entire series of events.
Exhibition Closing
Closing of the “Karta Mandala” Exhibition. Documentation: DKV-B, 2026.
The exhibition closing was marked by an entertainment program featuring performances by Visual Communication Design students. According to the chair of the organizing committee, I Putu Gading Bagus Maesha, the entire series of activities was carried out smoothly and successfully. He expressed the hope that this exhibition of Balinese traditional illustration would hold meaningful value for its visitors. It is expected that the exhibition not only enriches knowledge of Balinese traditional visual arts, but also fosters a shared sense of respect and responsibility in preserving the sustainability of this noble cultural heritage. (Cok Alit Artawan & Nuriarta)
