Bineka Tunggai Ika

Lot Description

Ida Bagus Made Togog (1913 – 1989, Indonesian), Bineka Tunggai Ika, acrylic on canvas, 27 x 38 cm (10 3/5 x 15 in.), signed on lower middle.

Ida Bagus Made Togog born in 1913, was one of the most influential Batuan painters. Togog was born into a Brahmin family and his Kama-san style paintings were a myriad of religious and local myths woven into life. Part of the Batuan group of painters, his pieces were also collected by American anthropologists Gregory Bateson and Margaret Mead, whose extensive collection of Balinese art showcasing the darker side of Balinese beliefs. He was also close to Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies, both large patrons of Balinese art in the 1940s. Togog’s paintings are translations of his views of the Balinese religion and his narration of the balance between good and evil; the spiritual journey, the human and the cosmos.

Ida Bagus Made Togog’s life was studied by Hildred Geertz, who published a trilogy of books showcasing Balinese history, religion and culture. Her last book, “Tales from a Charmed Life: A Balinese Painter Reminisces” 2005, centers around his life and his works.

Even after this death in 1989, Ida Bagus Made Togog’s works continue to be showcased around the world, including the Puri Lukisan and Agung Rai Museum in Bali, the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, the Singapore Art Museum and the Ethnography Museum in Leiden.

Ida Bagus Made Togog's numerous awards notably include the Anugrah Pusaka Seni (art heritage) Award, the Wija Kusuma award from Gianyar District and the Dharma Kusuma award from the Bali Provincial government. Amongst Togog’s famous works are “The fight between Sugriwa and Subali” and “The ape Utari and the princess Galuh Daha”.

Provenance

From an important private collection

Condition Report

The painting is in very good condition. The pigment and canvas appear to be in good condition, free of deformations, holes, tears or creases. Minor scratches are found at some areas.