Satya Cipta
Satya Cipta, born in Lombok in 1988 to a Balinese family now residing in Lampung, Indonesia, is a visual artist whose practice engages deeply with issues of gender, power, and cultural identity. Raised in a minority Balinese Hindu community outside of Bali, she experienced firsthand the marginalization of both ethnic and gendered identities. As she came of age, Satya confronted the realities of sexual harassment and violence, experiences that would later shape the core of her artistic inquiry.
Following high school, Satya studied at the Jakarta Institute of the Arts (IKJ), where she encountered feminist thought and critical perspectives that broadened her worldview. However, after returning to Bali to marry and settle, she was faced with the entrenched patriarchal structures of Balinese tradition. In this context, where women are often relegated to subordinate roles, Satya chose to resist, though not by abandoning tradition, but by critically engaging with it from within.
Satya trained in classical Balinese painting techniques under several master artists, mastering the formal precision and stylized language of the genre. However, she reclaims and subverts this visual language by embedding it with powerful feminist narratives. Her works juxtapose the formal rigor of Balinese traditional art with bold, contemporary commentaries on gender inequality, sexual violence, and the burdens imposed on women’s bodies.
Unlike most Balinese artists, who typically reinforce ideals of cosmic harmony, Satya confronts disharmony, social chaos rather than metaphysical balance. Her subjects are women who resist, rebel, and reclaim agency: women who challenge their prescribed roles, who protest sexual violence, and who seek retribution for the trauma they have endured. The body—wounded, defiant, desiring—becomes the primary site of her visual expression.
Satya Cipta stands as one of the most compelling voices among a new generation of Balinese women artists. Rooted in tradition yet unafraid to provoke, her practice opens a critical space within an otherwise conservat
The Lotus Pond, 2023 (1)
140 x 40 cm
Chinese ink, acrylic, vermillion, 24ct gold leaf on canvas
Hope and Despair, 2023 (2)
140 x 140 cm
Chinese ink, acrylic, vermillion, 24ct gold leaf on canvas
These two works by Satya Cipta reflect a deep engagement with feminine strength, resilience, and transformation—explored through symbolism rooted in both nature and history. Lotus draws on the metaphor of the lotus flower, which rises through earth, water, and air. Despite emerging from murky depths, it offers beauty and grace. This image becomes a reflection of the female body and spirit—constantly enduring cycles of pain and struggle from birth, yet remaining adaptive, dignified, and radiant. The work speaks to the quiet wisdom required to transform suffering into beauty, and hardship into purpose.
In Durga: The Guardian, Satya Cipta reinterprets a classical statue of the goddess Durga discovered in Java during the Majapahit era. Traditionally known as a fierce protector and nurturer, Durga is portrayed here with translated attributes and symbols—simplified yet powerful—bridging ancient mythology with contemporary sensibility. The work honors not only divine feminine power, but also the everyday strength of women as guardians of life and culture.
Together, these works offer a poetic and empowering reflection on womanhood, rooted in cultural memory yet fully resonant with the present.
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Timeline
2010
Bachelor of Art in Theater, Jakarta Institute of Arts (Institut Kesenian Jakarta).
EXHIBITION
2025
‘When She Sings, When She Paints’ Solo Exhibition presented by Zen1 Gallery, Jakarta.
2024
‘Kala Mencandra Durga dan Hyang lainnya’ silk screen printed exhibition, presented by Buku Akik & Buku Seni Rupa, Jogjakarta.
‘ArtJakarta’ group exhibition. Presented by Gajah Gallery, Jakarta-Indonesia
ArtJakarta group exhibition. Presented by Artsociate, Jakarta-Indonesia.
“Cut on The Bias” group exhition. Presented by Gajah Gallery. Jogjakarta-Indonesia.
“Art Jakarta Garden” group exhibition. Presented by Hybridium and Artsociate. Plataran hutan kota, Jakarta.
“Telapak Sendiri Tutur Terbelah” Group exhibition. Presented by Arsociate-Lawangwangi Bandung
2023
“Art and Dine”. Group Exhibition. Presented by Galeri Zen1 at Ritz Carlton hotel.
“Embrace” 211 Minnesota Street Project in San Francisco, California. Presented by Roundcollab Gallery.
CETAK group exhibition of art prints at Purga Artspace Ubud-Bali.
Art Moments Bali at Intercontinental Resort, Jimbaran-Bali by Art Sociates x Lanö Art Project
‘Sekala-Niskala’ group exhibition at Footscray Community of Art, Melbourne-Australia, by Project11 Foundation.
2022
Lobby Teater Kecil Pameran 20 Perupa peduli. Jakarta, March 31,2022.
2021
1st(ART). Group artist exhibition, Zen1 Gallery at Seminyak Village, Bali.
SEA The Showcase, virtual exhibition based in London-United Kingdom, South East Asian Art; www.seatheshowcase.com
Selected artist for Festival Menstruaçao, virtual exhibiton based in Brazil, supported by Ministerio do Turismo Rio, Brazil.
7 mira(rt)cle, group exhibition by Gallery Zen1 at Seminyak Village, Bali.
L-Project, virtual exhibiton by Linda Gallery based in Jakarta, www.lproject.com.
Celebra®tion Moments, virtual exhibition with Art Moments Jakarta by Zen1 Gallery, at Zen1 Gallery Tuban, Bali.
Irrational Wishes, group exhibition at Lawangwangi Artspace Bandung, West Java.
The Wandering Soul, solo exhibition December 11,
Presented by Zen1 Gallery at Art;1Museum Jakarta
2020
Contemplating Alternatives. Woman artist group exhibition, Gajah Gallery, Yogyakarta.
2019
Bali Mega Rupa. Balinese Artists Group Exhibition organized by Bali Culture and Tourism Board, Bali Province.
Satya: A Great Talent in Its Bud. Solo exhibition. The Oberoi Gallery. Denpasar, Bali.
Merdeka dalam Expresi. Group exhibition. Denpasar Art Center, Denpasar, Bali.
Intimists 2. Group exhibition. La Fenice Art Gallery, Hong Kong.
Myth and Woman. Group exhibition. Monkey Forest Gallery, Ubud, Bali
2018
A Budding Talent. Solo exhibition. Puri Lukisan, Ubud, Bali.
Art Bali: Celebration of the Future. Annual Group Exhibition of 47 artists selected from across Indonesia. AB-BC Building. Nusa Dua, Bali.
Vidyadiva. The 2nd Balinese Woman Artists group Exhibition. Denpasar Art Center, Denpasar, Bali.
Cultural Tourism Gallery. Solo charity exhibition. Melia Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali.
2017
The Offering. Woman artist group exhibition. Monkey Forest Gallery, Ubud, Bali.
Luwih Utamaning Luh. Woman artist group exhibition, Denpasar Art Center Gallery, Denpasar, Bali.
2016 EPICENTRUM. The 4th Indonesian National Exhibition, Manado-North Sulawesi.
WORKSHOP
2023
Line Drawing Workshop at Footscray Community of Arts, Melbourne-Australia.
Traditional Painting workshop for Emphaty School at SC Studio, Ubud-Bali.
2020
Batuan painting technique. Given at USADA Bali Cultural Center, Ubud, Bali.
2019
Balinese Art Therapy at USADA Bali Cultural Center, Ubud, Bali.
PERFORMANCE WORKS
2024
Satya Cipta featuring Ngulmiya (Aboriginal Artist) at Biji World, Mas-Ubud, Bali
Satya Cipta with Indonesian National Orchestra live concert at Jakarta Beat Society, Jakarta
Satya Cipta with Indonesian National Orchestra live opera Nusantara ‘Semarak Budaya Indonesia’ at Museum Nasional Jakarta for Logo launched of Ministry of Culture
Satya Cipta with Indonesian National Orchestra live concert at Nijmegen-Netherland for Music Meeting Festival.
Satya Cipta with Indonesian National Orchestra performed at Amare Concert Hall, Den Haag-Netherland.
Satya Cipta with Indonesian National Orchestra performed at Katowice Miasto Ogrodow, Poland
Satya Cipta performed at JIAcuratedkiosk, Sanur-Bali
Soprano for Khan Xing Wei Opera at Indonesian Music Expo
2023
Satya Cipta featuring Indonesian National Orchestra for Gitarja opera directed by Mhyajo in Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
Satya Cipta featuring Monica Lim and Mindy Mengwang at the opening of Sekala Niskala exhibition, Melbourne-Australia.
2022
Satya Cipta featuring Indonesian National Orchestra concert in Elbphillarmonie, Hamburg. October
Satya Cipta featuring Indonesian National Orchestra concert in Haus der Indonesischen Kulturen Berlin. October
Satya Cipta featuring Indonesian National Orchestra concert in Closing party B20 for G20 at Taman Bhagawan Bali, November.
Satya Cipta featuring Indonesian National Orchestra for Opera Gayatri at Theater Jakarta, July.
2020
Main singer for Music of the Gayatri Opera. Composed by Franki Raden and Directed by Mia Johannes.
Private Show at Majapahit Tribute Park, Light of Nusantara a commission piece in conjunction with Indonesia G20. February
2017
Déjà vu. New media arts performance and exhibition. La Salle College of Art, Singapore
2016
Acting as Soprano singer in Cymbeline (a play by Shakespeare), directed by Prof. Leon Rubin (ESSEX University). Performed at Denpasar Art Center, Bali
2006 – 2013
During this period, Satya Cipta worked with some theatre groups in Jakarta and some directors such as Slamet Rahardjo, Jose Rizal Manua, Putu Wijaya. She also took part in some television commercials, a movie, short films and collaborated with other artists.
INVITED PUBLIC LECTURES
2024
Aotearoa International Ethnomusical Wānanga in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Enhance the representation and voice of women in art, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach.
2020
Woman Artist in Bali: A Personal Perspective. Presented at Kinship Studio Bali. Denpasar, Bali
Delivering Pain through the Art. Presented at the Show and Tell program at Rumah Rabbit’s. Denpasar, Bali
2019
The History, Styles, and Iconography of Balinese Art. Presented at USADA Cultural Center, Ubud-Bali.
NOMINATIONS
2022 ASEAN-India Artist Camp. Udaipur-Rajasthan, India
2023 The Sovereign Art Prize Hong-Kong
2014 - present
Art Healing Instructor Workshop. USADA Bali Cultural Center, Ubud, Bali.
2020
Show Director & Art Director. The 8th Toraja International Festival (TIF). Lolai, Toraja, South Sulawesi (December 12/Off Air & December 19/On Air).
Show Director & Art Director. Spice Islands Festival (SIF). Bandaneira, Banda Islands, Mollucas (November 14/Off Air & November 21/On Air)
Show Director & Art Director. Indonesian Music Expo (IMEX) – Live Streaming. Ubud, Bali. (October 11-18).
Show Director & Art Director. Lokaswara Online Festival – Live Streaming. Ubud-Bali. (September 19th).
2021
Show Director & Art Director. The 9th Toraja International Festival (TIF). Balusu’, Toraja, South
Sulawesi.
Art Director. Indonesian Music Expo (IMEX) at World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Porto, Portugal.
2022
Show & Art Director Indonesian Music Expo (IMEX) at Puri Lukisan Museum Ubud-Bali March, 24-27.
2023
Show & Art Director. The 10th Toraja International Festival (TIF). Alun-alun kota Rantepao-Toraja, South Sulawesi.
Show & Art Director. Indonesian Music Expo(IMEX) Museum Puri Lukisan Ubud-Bali.
Opera Waterbom. Kuta-Bali
2024
Show & Art Director. Indonesian Music Expo(IMEX) Museum Puri Lukisan Ubud-Bali.