The long journey of contemporary visual art comes into focus in the retrospective exhibition “Parama Paraga” by artist and Rector of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali (ISI Bali), Prof. Dr. Wayan Kun Adnyana. The exhibition opened on Wednesday (March 25) at Nata-Cita Art Space (N-CAS), ISI Bali.
Initiated personally by Prof. Kun Adnyana, the exhibition reflects more than two decades of artistic exploration. Curated by Jeon Dongsu, Warih Wisatsana, and Alaida Niwaya, it brings together 88 works that trace a clear visual transformation—from early explorations of the human form to the development of abstract compositions grounded in line and color.
Parama Paraga presents a comprehensive retrospective of Kun Adnyana’s creative evolution, charting his aesthetic shift from figuration to mature gestural abstraction. The accompanying publication maps key phases of his practice: the emergence of a “drawing language” built from thousands of lines; the biomorphic explorations of the Hana Tan Hana series; the metaphorical use of Venus as an ecological critique; and depictions of babies and the human body as reflections on ethics and existence. This trajectory culminates in the Guwung Suwung series—an exploration of total abstraction that reveals silent spaces, primordial energy, and inner resonance through layered color, spontaneous gesture, and visual stratigraphy reminiscent of archaeological sites. The curatorial framing emphasizes that Kun Adnyana’s work is not merely a shift in style, but an ongoing process of research, contemplation, and symbolic sublimation. Parama Paraga ultimately stands as a unified expression of a dynamic artistic search—one that integrates visual, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.
The opening ceremony was attended by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, who personally toured the exhibition. Her visit also marked part of the opening series of Kalangan Widya Mahardika V, held within the ISI Bali campus.
In his remarks, Prof. Kun Adnyana described Parama Paraga as the result of a long and evolving artistic process. “This work spans more than 20 years—from explorations of the human body to pure compositions of color, with line as the fundamental element,” he explained. The art historian also connected the exhibition to the spirit of Kalangan Widya Mahardika V, themed “Kirtya Jnana Kawiya,” as an effort to explore and honor knowledge through artistic practice.
As a campus-based venue, Nata-Cita Art Space (N-CAS) serves as a strategic platform for presenting contemporary visual art while strengthening the academic ecosystem. This solo exhibition underscores Prof. Kun Adnyana’s dual role—not only as an institutional leader, but also as an actively practicing artist.
He further emphasized that the exhibition is more than a presentation of works; it is a “celebration of academic art” that encourages lecturers and students to engage confidently on the global stage. “Cultural tourism is a vital foundation for advancing Balinese art and culture. That is why we invited the Minister of Tourism—as part of a broader synergy between the art world and tourism,” he said.
Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana expressed her appreciation for the exhibition, noting the strength and diversity of its themes. According to her, the works not only demonstrate strong aesthetic value but also contribute to the evolving narrative of Balinese culture within contemporary art.
The “Parama Paraga” exhibition runs until May 4 and is open to the public, offering a rich opportunity to experience the depth and continuity of an artist’s journey in dialogue with contemporary visual art. []
