Wayan Dastra

As the citizen of Ubud, Wayan Dastra was born and bred in a very artistic environment, and gifted with an artistic talent that keeps evolving as he grows up. He now actively participates in the Bali scene, sharing his insights on the social life of the Balinese through his artistic expressions.
Give us a short introduction about yourself.
I was born in Ubud, in the Lodtunduh. I started painting in junior high where I learned traditional painting. Then, I continued my education at the High School of Arts in Batubulan. I enrolled at the Institute of Arts in Denpasar, earning my bachelor’s in 2006. I have since actively participated in art activities.
What sparked your interest in art?
The environment around me. I live in a village which is also home to many great Balinese artists. My surroundings introduced me to art, and it affected my life greatly. Curiosity then led me to learn from more experienced figures in my neighborhood. It nurtured my interest, and it required me to keep learning.
What themes do you usually work on? And what are your inspirations?
Social themes about the traditions of the Balinese people, especially those in my neighborhood. When seeing the unseparated differences like the good and the bad, it triggers me to put it on canvas.
How do you choose you subjects?
The subjects I choose are usually inspired by the phenomena that are common among people around me. One example is in one of my works in which depicts a mother with many children. In the past, many children were considered a lot of luck, whereas now, many children are considered a burden to parents. Presently, to support a child alone requires a lot of costs, whereas in the past, having many children would be an economic advantage.
Lastly, how do you interpret the colors in your works?
The interpretation of the color in each of my works is color as color. It contains no specific meaning. Color is only to shape the spaces and objects that I want to describe and to show the impressions that I want to convey.