paintings

As a new day dawns on the orange horizon, every subject of the Earth awakens to a heavenly glow. The line between realism and fantasy stimulates the human imagination just as dreaming of a world flourishing with peace.

Ida Ratna Ningrum conceptualizes the beginning of a new era of peace in this enchanting painting as she depicts an idyllic view into a blooming world of nature. The artist explains that the young girl sits protected under a tree in a thriving green field of harmonious flowers, far from the clutches of monolithic urban society. Finding hope in nature, the young girl embraces a dim globe to bring rejuvenation and a return to innocence, symbolizing the human concept of harmony.

Circling above, a flock of doves foreshadows the cleansing of the world's conscience, themselves being symbols of purity and modesty since ancient times. As humanity is both destined and doomed to a cyclical existence, the arrival of ancient symbols signals great changes to come.

"My definition of world peace is the desire of every human being, all who decide and choose to be at peace in their own way. If humans realize we can all choose to make peace by asking God to give us a heart that is peaceful and calm, then there will be no war. My hope for world peace is that all human beings can individually create something good and respect each other, and then peace will be established," the artist confides.

Through the wondrous sound produced only by the venerable violin, butterflies rise above to call for world peace. In harmony with the lively tempo played in the violin's treble clef, a delighted musician raises her posture to each note, with her luxurious dress and voluminous hair flowing in the rhythm and flowers fully immersed in listening. Balinese artist Ida Ratna Ningrum utilizes to the power of musical expression to bring life to the canvas in 'Peace of Symphony'. Painting in a realist style, Ida experiments with symbolic, yet unrealistic components such as the butterflies that emerge from song. Casting the entire musical scene with red light to symbolize love and passion, Ida suggests that the path to peace requires a harmonious symphony.

"My definition of world peace is the desire of every human being who decides and chooses to be at peace in their own way. If humans realize we can all choose to make peace by asking God to give us a heart that is peaceful and calm, then there will be no war. My hope for world peace is that all beings can individually create something good and respect each other, and then peace will be established," says Ida Ratna Ningrum.

The artist advocates for harmony and goodwill with her daydream-like painting "Pray for Peace." With idyllic realism, Ida creates a desert landscape symbolic of societal conflicts and scarcity, dominated by a prayerful young woman in a pink dress.

The artist explains that the cat and white rabbit symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, respectively, as they accompany the girl in her quest for peace. Circling above, white doves soar freely, symbolizing the release of a new period of peace under a pure blue sky. Thriving around the young woman, cacti, prickly pears and aloe represent the protection provided by mother nature, even in times of friction. An encouraging reminder of human resilience, the painting calls for a new peaceful era on planet Earth.

"Peace is the desire of every human being around the world," says the artist. "Prayer is a method of expression from a person to God and the universe. A sad girl sees a beautiful world without any feelings of peace, as if there is always war. She prays to God that the world will always be at peace without any war. If the world is free from war, the world will be peaceful, serene, and prosperous."

Javanese artist Aldi creates this beautiful acrylic painting to honour the unique life of trees. "Various small animals nest in the branches and twigs, as a home for shelter from fierce nature," he says, acknowledging the plant's impact on its surrounding environment.

"Each tree has its own unique characteristics and a variety of flowers and leaves, as well as a distinctive trunk shape, all of which are the best gifts," says Javanese artist Aldi, who creates this painting to celebrate the bounty of nature. The artist uses various shades of pink to paint the blossoms, which pop against a deep blue night sky.

A celebration of friendship, Ida Ratna Ningrum's lovely painting depicts a young girl playing with her cat as her mother watches over the two. The Javanese artist uses flower patterns--both in the foreground and background--to emphasize the cozy domesticity of the scene, which is lovingly painted with rich colours and precise details.

"An uncertain life requires entertainment so that the soul remains free without pressure," says Javanese artist Ida Ratna Ningrum, who creates this painting to celebrate the healing power of music. The scene depicts a young woman passionately playing her flute in order to recover from a broken heart.

"Playing music in the afternoon can warm the atmosphere," says Javanese artist Ida Ratna Ningrum, who uses equally warm tones to create this lovely portrait. The scene depicts a young woman passionately playing her violin to a crowd of onlookers just out of view.

Balinese artist A.A. Darmayuda paints a stunningly realistic hand marked with deep black color and a rangde, a mythological creature who symbolizes the Balinese motherland and gives strength to creatures on earth. The artist paints the hand with lifelike details that bring their beautiful vision to life.

Balinese artist A.A. Darmayuda paints a stunningly realistic palm filled with deep red markings and a barong, a panther-like creature from Hindu mythology. In Bali, the barong symbolizes power, prosperity, and harmony in human life.

Balinese artist A.A. Darmayuda paints a stunningly realistic palm filled with ancient coins, white chalk, honey, and ants. In Bali, Hindus ceremoniously receive white chalk markings on their palms, symbolizing harmony and the prosperity of all living things.

This beautiful original painting is from Balinese artist Mohammad Arifin, who works in acrylics on canvas. The composition depicts a traditional Balinese dancer, costumed and waiting for her turn to perform. According to the artist, the dance style is the gandrung, a traditional dance popular in East Java.