Textile exhibition highlights cultural connections between Bali and Lombok
Lombok newsLombok5 min read
An exhibition titled "Two Islands, One Thread: The Art and Cultures of Lombok and Bali" at the Art Gallery of South Australia, running from May 15 to October 11, showcases over 20 textiles from Bali and Lombok. Curated by Russell Kelty, Curator of Asian Art at AGSA, the exhibition explores the shared cultural exchange between the two islands, facilitated by the Lombok Strait, which Kelty describes as a "liquid highway for ideas and thoughts." The textiles, created by the Balinese and Sasak people of Lombok, reflect significant life moments such as marriage, birth, and death, and are integral to rituals. Designs often incorporate religious beliefs, with Hindu influences in Balinese textiles and Muslim faith reflected in those from Lombok. Both cultures demonstrate detailed patterns and colorful, hand-dyed embroidery, skills passed down through generations. Kelty notes that these textiles serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, transmitting specific ideas. The exhibition aims to highlight both the connections and differences in the textile traditions of Bali and Lombok.
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