Photo: Opening of the B-GAME International Exhibition on Monday (October 27) at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Ubud.
The Indonesian Institute of the Arts Denpasar (ISI Bali) officially opened the Bali–Global Art Map Exhibition (B-GAME) on Monday (October 27) at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Ubud. This international art exhibition is part of the Bali–Global Axis of Arts and Design (B-GAAD) II 2025 series and features the works of 66 artists from Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and Bangladesh.
Carrying the theme “Tutur–Bhuwana–Tuwuh (Myths–World–Memories)”, the exhibition—curated by Arif B. Prasetyo, Warih Wisatsana (Bali), and Jeon Dongsu (Korea)—serves as a creative dialogue space that brings together the artists’ authentic experiences, resilience, and innovative spirit in interpreting myth as a source of knowledge and wisdom among the nations of the Asia-Pacific region.
Photo: B-GAME International Exhibition, Monday (October 27) at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Ubud.
The Rector of ISI Bali, Prof. Dr. Wayan “Kun” Adnyana, explained that myths should not be understood merely as tales of the past, but as illuminating guides to the relationship between humans and nature. “As expressed by Edith Hamilton in Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes (1969), myth represents the way early humans thought and felt about the world—connecting humanity to the earth, the sea, the trees, and the mountains, with a closeness that is now rarely experienced,” stated the Professor of Art History.
Prof. Kun Adnyana further emphasized that the contemporary artist’s challenge, as articulated by Alison George in The Brain (2018), lies in how art can strengthen collective memory—how, within seconds, art captures attention and leaves a deep, lasting impression. Through the works on display, B-GAME 2025 seeks to reinforce our shared memory and collective commitment to humanity, the preservation of local culture, and ecological balance.
In his remarks, A.A. Gde Rai, founder of ARMA, warmly welcomed the second staging of B-GAME at the museum. He expressed his pride that ARMA has once again been entrusted to host a gathering of international artists, following the success of the inaugural edition held last year. According to him, this exhibition not only strengthens Bali’s position as a global center for visual arts, but also reaffirms the vital role of art as a bridge across cultures and nations.
Photo: B-GAME International Exhibition, Monday (October 27) at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Ubud.
The B-GAME 2025 Exhibition is held across two main venues—the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) and the Komaneka Art Gallery, both located in Ubud. These two exhibition spaces together form a new map of relations between art and myth, underscoring their essential role in enriching the memory and intellect of contemporary generations.
The opening ceremony was attended by Koman Wahyu Suteja, international delegates of B-GAAD II, the leadership and faculty members of ISI Bali, as well as artists, cultural figures, and students.
On this occasion, the Rector of ISI Bali expressed his highest appreciation to the curators, artists, designers, maestros, visiting professors, media partners, collaborators, and the organizing committee for their dedication, passion, and commitment. The exhibition is envisioned as a symbol of solidarity and a step forward in strengthening the Asia-Pacific Axis of Arts and Design Higher Education platform, while also reaffirming Bali’s position as a global hub for contemporary art and culture.
(ISIBALI/Public Relations)
