This fourth installment of 8x8 brings together eight visual artists and eight performing artists based in Hawaiʻi to create new work inspired by their encounters with Shangri La. Sparking a generative force to this year's exhibition, the theme “source” has been interpreted by these artists to produce commentaries on topics ranging from sustainability and ancestry to rising and return.
The exhibition features eight performance artist videos, illustrating a rich tapestry of perspectives and interpretations, offering insights into the nuanced history, diverse collection, unique environment, and intricate complexities of both Shangri La and Hawaiʻi.
I Made Widana | "Keseimbangan (Balance)"
Tri Hita Karana is a Balinese philosopical concept that outlines the interdependent relationship between humans, and the natural and divine worlds. In today’s social, political, and ecological environment, we are reminded daily of the importance of living by this philosophy. These three elements are interrelated, and we must attain and retain balance between the seen and unseen worlds so that all can thrive. When the world was created, it became the responsibility of humans to care for nature, because without a thriving natural world, humans cannot continue to exist.
This musical piece is performed on three traditional Balinese instruments: suling gambuh (one- meter long, low-register bamboo flute), gamelan semar pegulingan (gangsa pamade), andgender wayang. Conceptually, each instrument has its own character. Suling gambuh has a quiet, peace-evoking character; gamelan semar pegulingan (gangsa pamade) represents imagination inspired by the natural world; and the interplay between gender wayang and semar pegulingan represents the activities of humans. The piece begins calmly, peacefully, imagining the natural world in balance, followed by the emergence of complex human activities, and ends in harmony and balance re-established between the natural and human worlds.
This piece begins in a more traditional Balinese musical nature and moves towards incorporating more modern elements as the piece develops. The inspiration for this piece was guided by the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere and energy of the Ottoman Gallery. The atmosphere of this gallery, including its color scheme and ornamentation, transports me back to the source of my artistic inspiration, to Bali, where I feel a state of calm and harmony.
Mahalo to the UHM Center for Southeast Asia Studies for the use of the Gamelan Semara Pegulingan Taksu Gitaning Shanti gangsa pamade.
Learn more about Shangri La and the 8x8: Source exhibition at: www.shangrilahawaii.org/
and @hi_shangrila
12 янв 2024
