An inspired look into Balinese culture

Delve into the cultural explorations of collectors Dr John Yu AC and Dr George Soutter Am.  Currently showing until 13 July at the Mosman Art Gallery, ‘Encounters with Bali: a collector’s journey’ presents selected works from one of the richest private collections of Indonesian textiles in Australia.

A highly personal and intuitive guide to the intricacies of Indonesian culture, John Yu and George Soutter’s collection started in the late 1970s when a blue cloth attracted his eye in a Sydney gallery.  Since then for over thirty years the development of the rich collection has been fuelled by a passion to engage with the art and culture of the Balinese people.

Traditional textiles have played a fundamental role in the social, spiritual and economic practices of Indonesia for more than 2000 years.  The delicate fabrics are heavy with cultural symbolism, created using time-honoured techniques and display motifs that are associated with ancestors, fertility, trade, power and wealth.

The intricate designs and colours are a visual interrogation of Indonesian culture – in terms of the everyday, ritual and ceremony.  Each textile is a tactile communication of ancient traditions for the viewer to trace through the detailed patterns and images.

Curated by Dr Siobhan Campbell, a specialist in the field of Indonesian art and textiles, the exhibition is a careful consideration of the collections most striking and varied works.

Unlike institutional collections that are structured on historically well-known names, this personal assemblage of works is educated by Yu and Soutter’s carefully researched knowledge of textile works and fundamentally by their instinct.

This Sunday 29 June join the gallery for a talk with the curator who will provide a scholarly guide into Indonesian material culture. Dr Campbell will shed light on how visual archives provide historical insights into how such rare and beautiful textiles were made and worn.

The current exhibition is a product of the passion and vision of John Yu and George Soutter to enthuse the public with the art traditions of our Asia pacific neighbours.

Encounters with Bali: a collector’s journey
Until 13 July
Mosman Art Gallery

Image: Man’s jacket (baju pilih), early 20th century, Sarawak, Borneo, cotton, natural dyes, supplementary weft weaving, 60 x 43cm
Image courtesy the artist and Mosman Art Gallery