Where can you see Balinese painting, and what are the styles?
To understand Balinese painting, you have to go back to the temples and palaces: for centuries, scenes from legends (the epics, shadow-puppet theatre) were painted on cloth and ceilings, on commission. The arrival of European artists in the 1930s and the creation of the Pita Maha cooperative on 29 January 1936 changed everything: painting became an independent art, with painters who sign their work.
How to recognise the styles:
- Kamasan (from the village of Kamasan, near Klungkung): the classic style of shadow-puppet theatre (wayang), in earth tones and with stylised figures, telling epics.
- Ubud: more empty space, human figures given prominence, scenes of daily life.
- Batuan: dense, heavily packed compositions with religious and mythological subjects.
- Young Artists (from the 1960s, around Pengosekan): bright colours and village scenes, inspired by the Dutch painter Arie Smit, who encouraged young villagers to paint freely.
- Keliki: small, highly detailed miniatures.
Where to see them: four museums cover the subject.
- Puri Lukisan, the oldest (opened in 1956), in the heart of Ubud. Three pavilions, with Kamasan-style paintings, ink drawings by Lempad and works from Pita Maha. About 75,000 IDR ($4), open 9 am to 6 pm.
- Neka (in Sanggingan, opened in 1982): the greatest chronological depth, with a major Lempad collection.
- ARMA (in Pengosekan): a calm setting, with performances.
- Setia Darma (in Mas): focused on masks and puppets.
A figure to know: I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (about 1862–1978), a painter, sculptor and architect of palaces and temples around Ubud, a jack of all trades said to have lived to over 110.
Verdict: a surprisingly rewarding half-day, even if you don't normally go to galleries, because each style tells you something about the village it comes from.
Tip: if you only have time for one museum, choose Puri Lukisan; and if a painting appeals to you, buy it in the painter's own studio rather than a shop (see the Ubud section).
Prices and hours checked in October 2026; confirm before you go.