The Act of Observing a Phenomenon
* with MADE PALGUNA

written Abigail Hart

The act of observing a phenomenon changes it. Scientists, journalists, researchers, mathematicians — everyone who makes it their business to know things, to record things, to observe things knows this catch-22 of the scientific method. Artists take this paradox one step further, because to create art is to observe and then to relate. To take something and hold it up to the light.

To ask it a million questions and then to ask the viewer a million more. But when you hold something up to the light, does that change it? Does commenting on a life alter that life?

Made Palguna’s work is full of life and full of commentary on that life. He takes everyday scenes, traditional values, and mythological images—any part of life, whether it lasts a minute or a lifetime—and turns them into intriguing works of art. Palguna’s solution to the catch-22 of commenting on a phenomenon: he puts himself into the art. Palguna’s work shows what life is like as a participant, not an observer. He is a part of Balinese life and Balinese life is a part of him. He holds moments up and, instead of asking questions, he invites us in to experience them ourselves.

“…It’s not just spirit, because I was directly involved in it. There is a direct emotional closeness to the ancestors, temples and Balinese community its self.”

Made Palguna is a Bali-based artist who focuses on modern & contemporary art. Born in 1976, Palguna is a native of Ubud, Bali and studied art in Jogajakarta before returning to Bali. Palguna’s art is influenced by the sights, sounds, feelings and traditions of everyday life in Bali, as well as Jogajakarta, where he lived for 20 years.

.artist talk
Made Palguna
speaks with
Abigail Hart
first published in:
issue 30, 01/2021

Palguna spoke to us about life and art in a frank and refreshing way. It is obvious that he doesn’t take himself too seriously, but at the same time takes humanity very seriously. When you look at one of his paintings, you see humanity in so many facets. His jokes — which he tells often, in and art and in life — are there not to cover up the truth, but to reveal it in its entirety. Palguna’s light approach to art actually shows his off his subject in a much deeper way than many artists might.

“I face something as easy as I can. Because I believe if there is a problem there will be a solution.”

Whether it’s in talking about his home country, or in one of his vibrant paintings, Made Palguna shows the light, sometimes messy side of tradition, culture and daily life. Palguna’s bright positivity is infectious and, although we spoke about some difficult things in the world today, he inspired us to continue to look for the parody, the positivity and the playfulness in any situation.

credit header image

Made Palguna
Lockdown, 2020
Charcoal and Acrylic on canvas
200x250 cm