Eka Sutha
Eka Sutha
(b. 1997, Bali)
Eka Sutha is a Balinese artist whose practice is deeply rooted in his understanding of tradition. His approach is not intended to appear antiquated or overly primordial. Instead, tradition, both in narrative and technique, offers a wealth of material to be retold, reexamined, and even revised for contemporary relevance. In Bali, tradition is inseparable from the pulse of daily life, encompassing language, visual culture, and ritual practices passed down through generations. This deep connection to tradition also reflects the collective spirit embedded within Balinese social life.
Eka’s artistic explorations span a wide range of media. From jaje sarad (ceremonial offerings made of rice cakes) transformed into installation art, to drawing practices inspired by rerajahan (Balinese protective sacred diagrams), his work draws heavily on the cultural and spiritual environment in which he was raised. Growing up in a community that places great importance on adat (customary law) and tradition has profoundly influenced his creative process.
In his recent works, Eka interprets rerajahan as a vessel of hope within Balinese society. Flowers, snakes, fire, water, and various mythological human faces, all common elements in Balinese visual tradition, appear as recurring motifs in his drawings on ulantaga paper. These images serve as a metaphor for the many forms of hope expressed in the “before starting” rituals that are central to daily Balinese life.
Over the past few years, Eka has been investigating how the collective spirit of Balinese culture now finds expression within the space of contemporary art exhibitions. What was once grounded in traditional ritual is gradually transforming into a form of artistic consciousness. This shift requires mastery of skill and technique, particularly in a context where traditional Balinese art involves a wide range of media. Eka believes these media must be reinterpreted and recontextualized to stand on equal footing with contemporary global art.
Before Starting #3, 2025
Various dimensions, approximately 150 cm
Drawing on daluang paper
In Bali, ceremonial practices are marked by a multitude of methods and symbolic stages—each carrying deep spiritual significance. One such method is rajah gambar, the sacred act of drawing symbolic images as a way for humans to connect with maya kosa, the unseen cosmic energies believed to bring harmony and balance in accordance with human intention.
Inspired by these traditions, Eka Sutha interpret this visual richness through a series of drawings that include flowers, snakes, fire, water, birds, elephants, and stylized human faces reminiscent of Balinese pewayangan (shadow puppetry). He approach these visual elements as if he was performing metanding—a ritual process of arranging offerings in Balinese ceremonies.
Before any ceremony officially begins, metanding is often a dynamic and captivating moment. When symbols are arranged with mantra recitations, the ritual enters the stage of activation. My work, Before Starting, captures this pre-beginning phase—the sacred pause in which hope, intent, and unseen energies converge. It reflects the anticipation, preparation, and invocation that precede every meaningful act in Balinese life.
Timeline
2022
Afternoon Cruisine – Jimbaran Hub, Bali
Himatografi – Kulidan Art Space, Gianyar
It’s About Time – CushCush Gallery, Denpasar
Nafas Urban – Taman Rumah Kebun, Karangasem
Lucy Dream Exhibition – Blue Karma Dijiwa, Seminyak
2023
Komodifikasi Ornamen – Kulidan Space, Gianyar, Bali
Bali Emerging Artist: Exploration – Sika Gallery, Ubud
A Palette of Cultures – Blue Karma Dijiwa, Seminyak
Mana Uluwatu Art Group Exhibition – Mana Uluwatu, Bali
You NOM It – Group Exhibition, Sangkring Art Space, Yogyakarta
Bali in 4 Meters Square – Art Jakarta, Jakarta
2024
Special Project #2: Evolve – Dinatah Art House, Bali
Evoke – Group Exhibition, Getback Parlour, Jakarta
Rona di Bukit – Group Exhibition, JHub Art Space, Jimbaran, Bali