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Ubud Writers and Readers Festival introduces 2019 theme
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival has unveiled its theme and artwork for this year.
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The opening ceremony of the 2018 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. (Ubud Writers & Readers Festival/Wayan Martino)
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ver 150 writers, artists, activists and performers from more than 30 countries will take part in the 16th Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) in Ubud, Bali, from Oct. 23 to 27.
Drawing inspiration from Hindu philosophies, the festival unveiled that this year´s theme will be “Karma”. In a release received by The Jakarta Post, it said that “for Balinese Hindus, Karma Phala is the spiritual principle that each action has a consequence equal in force, and similar in form".
We're thrilled to announce the #UWRF19 theme: Karma. For Balinese Hindus, Karma Phala is the spiritual principle that each action has a consequence equal in force, and similar in form. We're also honored to reveal the artwork by Samuel Indratma. Read on: https://t.co/XIiIGIxLHA pic.twitter.com/oPczvXtyjv
— Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (@ubudwritersfest) March 5, 2019
“As actions in their previous life affect their present, and deeds committed in the present affect their future, Balinese Hindus are aware their fate is not divine in origin, but in their own hands,” said UWRF founder and director Janet DeNeefe.
The UWRF also revealed that the artwork for this year was created by visual artist Samuel Indratma, one of the founders of Yogyakarta public art collective Apotik Komik.
Read also: Dee Lestari, Hanif Kureishi among speakers at upcoming UWRF
“I tried to depict what karma is. Do people change their face? Do they change their form? This is why I chose the symbol of the mask. I imagined karma as a human cycle that continues to spin, then returns again,” he said in describing his artistic process.
Last year’s theme, “Jagadhita: The World We Create”, promoted the idea that harmony with others should be one of our primary goals. Its speakers included Hanif Kureishi, Gratiagusti Chananya Rompas and Susi Pudjiastuti.
In July, early bird tickets will go on sale and the first lineup will be announced. The full program will be announced in mid-August.
More information is available on the festival's website. (sop/wng)
