Bali Art: Umbul Umbul | Acrylic on Canvas

Bali Art: "Umbul Umbul", Studies for festive Balinese Decorations

Bali has kept its ancient traditions and is living its rites and customs in complete persuasion till today. Bali art and culture are an important part of Balinese self-image and provide lots of pleasure to tourists from all over the world. Up to now an interesting mixture of traditional rites and modern and mobile way of life has come out of this combination.

Umbul Umbul are long bamboo sticks getting thinner and thinner towards the end. Over all these sticks create a half round line that symbolizes the sickle of the moon. Umbul Umbul are oversized Balinese  "flagpoles" where long shaped cotton flags are waving. Still a 100 years ago these flags had been hand painted with stories from Balinese daily life and from Bali myths. Today Umbul Umbul are mostly in one color or have squares in black and white.

During all important festivities in Bali the bamboo sticks of Umbul Umbul are placed in front of all houses along the village roads. These Umbul Umbul are called "Penjor" and are decorated depending on the island's region with stripes from palm leaves or with rice plants. At the bottom, about 1,20m above ground, a small altar for offerings is prepared.
 

BALI - UMBUL UMBUL BIRU

BALI - UMBUL UMBUL

tempera and acrylic on canvas,
2006, 70 x 60 cm

tempera and acrylic on canvas,
2006, 70 x 60 cm

14806007

14806010

BALI - UMBUL UMBUL HIJAU

BALI - UMBUL UMBUL MERAH

tempera and acrylic on canvas,
2006, 70 x 60 cm

tempera and acrylic on canvas,
2006, 70 x 60 cm

14806008

14806011

BALI - UMBUL UMBUL KUNING ABU ABU

tempera and acrylic on canvas,
2006, 70 x 60 cm

14806009