Bali is long known for being a haven for art, culture and tradition. Deeply rooted are the Balinese to their religion, expressed in various temple rituals and art forms preserved over the centuries. Coupled with beautiful landscapes and friendly hospitality, this island of a thousand temples has brought together many artists and art lovers from all over the world.

Thus it is no surprise that Bali became the natural venue for the Maya Gallery’s first artist residency programme. The residency saw many meetings and exchanges with galleries, artists Suklu and Huda Fauzan, as well as friends Mario Blanco, Made Doblet and traditional painter Ketut Sariastra. There were also opportunities to explore old towns and  pura or temples, and learn traditional painting techniques. Having an art studio amidst lush greenery and amazing views also lent a conducive setting to create fresh works of art, many of which will be revealed for the first time during this unique exhibition.

The Journey celebrates these friendships over the years and the beginning of an art exchange platform for Singaporean and Balinese artists. With works by Suklu and Huda displayed at this exhibition in Singapore, it also marks the possibility of our Singaporean artists’ works to be shown in Bali in the near future. 

We also commemorate 13 years of the conceptualisation of an art gallery, an idea which began in Bali. It was to be an art space dedicated to promoting the works of Singaporean artists, whether established, celebrated, underexposed or even young talents. This passion came into fruition when Maya Gallery was launched by Ms Janice Koh (Arts NMP) in Singapore in April 2012 with an opening exhibition of works by our local artists such as Cultural Medallion receipient and master potter Iskandar Jalil, Sujak Rahman, Adi Yadoni, Charlotte Tan, Sunar Sugiyou, Khamis Ariffin (Karto) and Jeffrey Wandly.

Third-generation Singaporean artist Sunar Sugiyou gives a fresh interpretation of Bali scenes in Chinese ink, a medium he has used with aplomb since 2000. “Being in Bali evokes a certain kind of energy. Every one needs to go through journeys, and this is one of renewal for me as an artist.” This 51-year old’s paintings emit a certain assured calmness, albeit the excitement from renewed possibilities of further regional collaborations and exchanges.

Singaporean artist Jeffrey Wandly gives heritage the honour it deserves with his charcoal paintings of national landmarks. “Bali has a special place in my heart,” he says, “and its mainly due to the hospitality of the local people, many of whom have become close friends.” His portraits reflect this feeling of solidarity from these intercultural friendships.

Prominent award-winning Balinese artist I Wayan Sujana (Suklu), known for his figurative, decorative, abstract and often meditative styles, has touched on subjects of personal change, environment, politics, society and global issues. Suklu explores the fluidity of forms in abstract style. “When I look at objects, I see the "unseen things" beyond these forms. These “things” usually seduce my intuition to create new works of art”. Not his first time in Singapore, but he is honoured to be part of this journey.

Self-taught Balinese artist Huda Fauzan draws insiration from his gurus. He is known for his works of Balinese life and its people in detailed realism. Huda’s journey is about spirituality. “There are many ways to attain the path to greatness, in the hope that one’s praises and prayers will reach the Creator, and art symbolises this amazing journey.”

The Maya Gallery, a new 2-storey art gallery in the heritage district of Kampong Glam, Singapore, is located at 666 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188800. We are open daily, from 12 noon to 6pm.

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Sunar Sugiyou (b. 1961, Singapore) is a graduate of the St Patrick’s Art Centre (now known as LaSalle College of the Arts). His works have been highly commended at the Australian Art Awards and IBM Art Award. Over his 30 years of practising art, he has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows in Singapore, Malaysia and UAE. Sunar’s works have been acquired by Singapore National Museum, National University of Singapore, residences of royal families in the Middle East and the region, and corporate and private collections in Singapore and overseas.

Jeffrey Wandly (b. 1964, Singapore) holds a Masters in Project Management from the Queensland University of Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) from the National University of Singapore. He is a recipient of the MENDAKI Excellence Award (1993) and is responsible for a number of prominent property developments in Singapore such as the award-winning luxury apartments 8 Napier, and the Singapore’s first purpose-built SOHO development The Central©. Jeffrey has showed in exhibitions in Singapore and Malaysia, and is the proud owner of Maya Gallery.

I Wayan Sujana or Suklu (b. 1967, Bali) graduated from the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) in Denpasar, Bali. He was a two-time finalist in the Philip Morris Art Awards, one of the few Indonesian artists selected for the Beijing Biennale (2008), and one of the four winners of the Olympic Fine Arts Competition (2008). He has exhibited at numerous group and solo exhibitions in Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, China, Italy, Germany, Australia and Singapore. His works have been acquired by collectors worldwide. Suklu lives in Kungkung, Bali, where is a lecturer at the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) and practised art for 30 years.

Huda Fauzan (b. 1967, Banyuwangi, East Java) is a self-taught artist known for his works with a figurative style, often touching on social and economic issues. He has exhibited at a number of shows in the United States, Bali and the rest of Indonesia. His works can be found in the homes of art collectors in Indonesia and overseas. Huda lives and creates his art in Ubud, Bali and has been painting for 15 years.

Maya Gallery is a new art gallery in Singapore which aims to bring people together to enjoy great art. It is dedicated to promote works by local and regional artists with diverse styles and media, whether established or young talents, at the local and international level. The gallery believes in often seeking out important and unique works, embracing a social responsibility to the artist and the artistic community. We host group and solo exhibitions, and art programmes regularly, engage in collaborations with galleries and organisations, and provide various professional services for art lovers, patrons, brokers and collectors.