Don’t miss this photographic art exhibition with John Hardy Bali and NYAMAN Gallery, showcasing the work of Nikola Kostic and Indonesia’s traditional arts...
It’s no secret that Bali is a mecca when it comes to art and culture. The island is blessed with countless artisan communities who have honed their crafts through generations, not to mention the heritage artwork and age-old techniques that you won’t find anywhere else. Paying homage to our beloved island and its artists, John Hardy and NYAMAN Gallery have joined forces to give Bali’s time-honoured traditions the spotlight they deserve.
On a mission to support the island’s local community of artists, John Hardy regularly opens the doors to its Seminyak boutique for exhibitions and gallery collaborations. This time, John Hardy has joined forces with another Bali-born art community, Nyaman Gallery, to bring us TRANSITIONS by NIKOLA KOSTIC – a photographic journey of discovery through the balance of shadow and light.
This collaborative art exhibition is happening right now until 20th February 2024 at the John Hardy Boutique & Gallery in Seminyak. It’s your last chance to feast your eyes on Nikola Kostic’s work, inspired by traditional leather puppets and the Balinese festival of kites. Trust us when we say, this one is not to be missed…
A peek inside TRANSITIONS by NIKOLA KOSTIC
TRANSITIONS is a photographic art exhibition by Nikola Kostic. It pays homage to Bali, an island where inspiration for content and technique is limitless. Telling his personal journey of discovery, Nikola Kostic masterfully captures the essence of the Balinese kite festivals and ceremonies through his lens.
How does he do it? His photography is printed on clear acrylic plates against bright white backgrounds, creating the perfect balance between light and shadow that’s reminiscent of Indonesia’s shadow puppets, AKA “Wayang Kulit”. Then, the artist uses colour to paint on the back of each acrylic piece – a traditional glass painting technique practised in Java and Bali.
Nikola Kostic captures various Balinese and Indonesian traditions, one of his favourites being the Kite Festival, frequently held in Bali during the dry season. Taking inspiration from this cultural practice, his work is able to bring out the child in you with his nostalgic and playful interpretations.
Capturing Indonesia’s time-honoured traditions through the lens
People said with a camera you see less, but for me, I saw more. It enabled me to focus and tune into life and what was going on around me. – Nikola Kostic
Hailing from Serbia, Nikola Kostic made Bali his home in 1998, where he picked up a camera for the first time. It was then that he started capturing his life on the island, creating a visual journal through the lens. After watching the kite flying festival for the first time in Bali, Nikola Kostic became fascinated with the parade of colour in the sky and the cultural meaning of this tradition. From then, his artwork prominently features the playfulness of this age-old ritual, and the strong community working together to fly the kites which are believed to carry messages to the Gods to ask for blessings and fortune. Each of Nikola Kostic’s pieces tell the tale of his own personal experiences of his beautiful island home.
Happening now at the John Hardy Boutique & Gallery in Seminyak
Stunning art deserves a stunning artspace, and there isn’t a more fitting place than the John Hardy Boutique & Gallery in Seminyak. The interior invites each visitor to fully immerse in the island’s traditions – from its breezy bamboo gallery to its Balinese brick and hand-carved wood. It’s a unique shopping experience where you can pick up a one-of-a-kind chain woven jewellery, whilst browsing the artwork of local artisans. Not only that, the gallery also hosts workshops and events, as well as exclusive dining experiences (like the legendary lunch at The Long Table) – all designed to bring the local community together, sharing a passion for art and Indonesian culture.
Founded in 1975 from humble beginnings, John Hardy is a Bali-born artisan community that’s captured the hearts of many through its impeccable handwoven jewellery. The brand has sky-rocketed over the years, claiming international recognition and awards, and shining a light on Bali’s chain-weaving heritage. As a proud member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, John Hardy’s designs are not only meticulously handcrafted by hundreds of local artisans, they’re also made with sustainability and ethics at the forefront.
You can visit the TRANSITIONS by NIKOLA KOSTIC at John Hardy Boutique & Gallery in Seminyak, happening now until 20th February 2024.
John Hardy Boutique & Gallery in Seminyak, Jl Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan, p. +62 811 3811 8003, e. [email protected]; Open daily 11am – 9pm.