Made Wianta, one of the island's most celebrated contemporary painters, left Bali for Guam on Monday for a two-week exhibition in the mid-Pacific U.S. territory.

The exhibit involves an auction, proceeds of which go to a local social organization.

"The exhibit will run from Feb. 26. Dozens of my works in various sizes had been shipped to the island," Wianta said as quoted by Antara.

"The local organizer will be responsible for the placement of the works and the arrangement of the display rooms. All I have to do is board the flight and be there."

The exhibit takes place at Julale Exhibition Center in the island's capital of Hagatna.

"I was offered the chance to hold an exhibit in Guam about one year ago. However, various prior commitments prevented me from organizing the exhibit at the time," Made said.

Wianta said he was curious about the view from Guam and would talk to artists, collectors and art lovers about the contemporary role of the arts. "Fine arts employ visual and symbolic languages that are not confined by the borders imposed by verbal languages. It will be very interesting to hear what people in Guam have to say about my work."

The charity auction, Wianta said, would take place at the gallery of the Hilton Guam Spa with proceeds being donated to Erica's House, a local family visitation center.

"This facility provides assistance to traumatized children and families that have fallen victim to domestic violence. The staff at Erica's House help the victims overcome trauma and start a new life with a better, more positive attitude," said Wianta.

Created by virtue of 1998 Guamanian family violence legislation, the facility is located in Tiyan and has been in operation since Nov. 15, 2000. It is operated by Guam's Soroptimists.

The 58-year old Wianta was born in the small village of Apuan, Tabanan. Known as an artist who enthusiastically explores artistic idioms from paintings to poetry, he has created more than 14,000 pieces and published four poetry anthologies.

In recent years, he has directed most of his energy toward creating massive installations and happenings art, including -- in 1999 -- "Art and Peace", in response to what he called "the more globalized nature of mankind".

His installation "Dream Land" in the prestigious 2002 Venice Biennale gave him considerable international attention.

Wianta has received prestigious awards, including the Dharma Kusuma from the Bali Provincial Government, and has been given honorary professorship by Academia Internationale Gressi- Marino in Italy.

Popular

Is Indonesia really ready to embrace dual citizenship?

Tens of thousands seek better lives in Jakarta. But is the city losing its draw?

Elon Musk's Starlink granted licences to operate in Indonesia