I Nyoman Meja (Ubud, 1950)

I Nyoman Meja was born in Banjar Taman, Ubud. He is among the most successful 1980s painters in Ubud. His works are dedicated in bold colors featuring anatomically correct figures. Hence his paintings show a fascinating assimilation of traditionalism and modernism. The traditionalist of Meja’s works is signified by his technique which still uses penelak and the illustration of his setting (houses, field, paddy fields) that strongly referred to Ubud style. While his modernity is describe with the lighting rationalization over its painting’s objects therefore Meja’s pieces can be categorized as post-traditional ones.

During 1970s, he met Rudolf Bonnet. Through this meeting, his modern vision develop...