In this episode of The NOW! Bali Podcast, we welcome Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem and Bruce Carpenter, authors of ‘Masks of Bali: Between Heaven and Hell’, an epic 2-volume compilation of traditional Balinese masks – a landmark publication destined to define this field of art for generations to come. This episode is available as a video and is meant to be watched but also listened to.
Available on:
iTunes • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Pocket casts • Public radio
About Masks of Bali and its authors
Launching in Bali in late December 2022 at the glamorous Tandjung Sari resort, this landmark publication documents the history of the island’s living craft tradition, co-authored by acclaimed dancer-scholar, prof. Dr. AS I did Bandemand art historian, Bruce W. Carpenter.
prof. Doctor I Made Bandem, A highly respected author, scholar and educator, Bandem is considered a world authority on Balinese dance and drama. Not only does he study and observe, he is an acclaimed dancer himself. For the book he collaborated with the Anglo-American art historian, Bruce W. Carpenter, a recognized expert in his field, who has also curated several museum exhibitions and co-authored over twenty volumes on the arts and culture of Indonesia. The Masks of Bali is a continuation of his determination to produce great and important books on art forms long neglected in this archipelagic nation. Their insights and essays are opened by a preface by Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia.
This two-volume book series is the first comprehensive study of the origins, history, and living legacy of Balinese mask dance, an ancient performance art that has been around for over a thousand years. It features 600 masks, with 1000 different images, including masks never before photographed, and of course in-depth information on the whole field of masks, genres, types of individuals, mask makers and dancers. The luxurious masterpiece was made possible thanks to the talents of Doddy Obenk, who oversaw the photography of hundreds of rare masks, and his master of design and layout, Ni Luh Ketut Sukarniasih.
Masks of Bali: Between Heaven and Hell took four years to complete, and is therefore an invaluable effort for art conservation. It features masks from the 15th to the early 20th centuries, from temples, palaces, museums and private collections around the world.
For more information on the book visit maskofbali. com
Edward Speir
Edward, or Eddy as he prefers to be called, is the managing editor of NOW! Bali and host of NOW! Bali Podcasts. He enjoys photography, rural travel and he loves that his work introduces him to people from all walks of life.
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