AES 13 : Nyoman Nuarta

Nyoman Nuarta

Nyoman Nuarta is an Indonesian sculptor and artist, who created a number of monuments across Indonesia. His most memorable and ambitious work was GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana). GWK is designed to be Indonesia’s tallest statue, it was inspired by a story from Hindu mythology about the search for Amrita (the elixir of life). The GWK statue is 122m, and it's made out of copper and bass just like any other Nyoman Nuarta's sculptures. Nyoman Nuarta was an ITB alumnus in 1979, and has produced more than a hundred works of sculpture. Nyoman Nuarta received his bachelor's degree in fine arts from the Bandung Institute of Technology and currently lives in Bandung. After graduating from high school, Nuarta entered the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in 1972. Initially Nuarta chose to major in painting , but after two years he switched to majoring in sculpture. While still a student in 1979, Nyoman Nuarta won the Republic of Indonesia Proclaimer Statue Competition , this competition was the beginning of Nyoman Nuarta's fame. 

Nyoman Nuarta's masterpiece was inspired by a lot of things, but one of them is definitely his family and his childhood memories. He made sculptures about how he lived throughout the years, how he felt, the sacrifices that he made so he can be where he is right now. But some of his sculptures are also inspired by Indonesian monuments, and historical figures. It's fascinating how his art is deeply intertwined with his own life and the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia.