Description of the attraction
The Neka Museum of Art was opened in 1982. The museum is named after the collector and artist Suteji Neka, who founded the museum.
Suteji Neka is the son of Wayan Neka, a gifted sculptor who was recognized as the best woodcarver in the province of Bali in the 1960s. One of Wayan Nek's most famous works is the 3-meter-high statue of the Garuda bird that was exhibited in the United States in 1964. Suteji Neka inherited his father's love and talent for painting, and in 1966, together with the works of his father, he exhibited his first works. From that moment on, Suteji Neka devoted all his free time to studying Bali painting, and also began collecting works of art. Suteji Neka has received numerous awards for his contribution to the development and preservation of creativity and culture in Bali, and Neka received one of the highest awards for the development of traditional and contemporary art in Indonesia in 1993 from the Government of Indonesia.
In total, the collection of the museum includes about 400 works, the museum complex consists of 4 buildings. Guests can watch traditional Balinese paintings in the famous Wayang style, which originates from the ancient shadow puppet theater. In addition, there are modern paintings depicting scenes from village life, and black and white photographs that tell about the life of Bali before World War II. In addition to paintings, a collection of wood products and bronze sculptures are on display. Impressionist lovers will be delighted with paintings by the Dutch artist Ari Smith, who settled in Bali after World War II. In addition to works by local artists, the museum's collection includes works by Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet and Miguel Covarrubias.
There is also a fifth building that hosts temporary exhibitions.
