Eyewitness News – JAKARTA
A painting titled The Wings of the Sanghyang Dance (2026) by Putu Fajar Arcana has successfully beaten thousands of paintings from 85 countries that participated in an open call organized by No 35 Gallery, based in London, England. The announcement of the selected paintings to participate in the international exhibition was broadcast on September 12, 2026, UK time.
​According to No 35 Gallery, Putu Fajar Arcana’s artwork was chosen after a staged evaluation process by a credible panel of judges in the UK. “We would like to convey that submission for this open call reached over 1,500 works originating from 85 countries in the world,” No 35 Gallery wrote in a notice to artists.
​The notice also stated that The Wings of the Sanghyang Dance aligns with the theme of the open call, which is “Wings, Birds and Flights”. In addition, the painting was considered to possess unique, highly valued qualities of artistic achievement, concept, and presentation. “We are very enthusiastic to include Putu’s work in this art project,” wrote No 35 Gallery.
Inspiration
According to artist Putu Fajar Arcana, The Wings of the Sanghyang Dance was not initially created for the open call by No 35 Gallery London, but was developed for a personal art project titled “Metamorphosis”. Putu chose butterflies as a subject of study, as they have the most pronounced life cycle of physical transformation among all creatures on Earth. Furthermore, butterflies align well with the fluid art technique he is currently pursuing.
​”This was probably just good timing. Suddenly, there was an open call with the theme ‘Wings, Bird and Flight’ from No 35 Gallery. I thought this Sanghyang painting would fit…” said Putu on Thursday (17/11/2026) in Jakarta. Putu chose to continue residing in Jakarta after retiring as a cultural editor for the Kompas daily newspaper in Jakarta.
The Wings of the Sanghyang Dance, according to Putu, was inspired by the sacredness of the Sanghyang dance in Bali.
This dance consists of several types and varies across regions. Nevertheless, the Sanghyang dance shares common traits: it is a sacred dance offered to deities. “In fact, in many Sanghyang variations, the dancers must meet specific criteria. Usually while dancing, they enter a state of trance,” explained the painter, who is better known as a literary figure.
During these trance states, Putu noted, the dancers—mostly pre-pubescent youth—dance like heavenly nymphs. “They are like beautiful nymphs descending to Earth. I depict them through the beautiful yet magical flutter of butterfly wings,” said Putu, who is often called Bli Can.
The “Wing, Bird and Flight” exhibition will be held online in the near future. Although it is an online exhibition, the open call organized by No 35 Gallery gained incredible enthusiasm from artists worldwide. No 35 Gallery will prepare an online catalogue, a presentation on their website, social media promotion, exhibition certificates, and exposure to various global art institutions and enthusiasts.
​In addition, No 35 Gallery will select the best overall artwork among those chosen for the exhibition. The artist whose painting wins best artwork will earn an offer for a solo exhibition and a special interview with No 35 Gallery London.
​According to curator Warih Wisatsana, who has followed Putu’s artistic journey, The Wings of the Sanghyang Dance is an abstract work that successfully captures the spirit of a sacred dance. “This painting possesses gestures created using wind and fire. The medium closely mirrors the creation process that occurs during the Sanghyang dance in Bali, which is also intimate with fire and wind,” he remarked.
This distinctiveness is likely what makes the painting unique and specific, something that could perhaps only be created by visual artists who truly understand the Sanghyang dance in Bali, Warih added. “And let us not forget that Putu Fajar Arcana is also a productive and critical Balinese intellectual,” he added. Putu frequently conducts studies and writes essays on culture with authentic, critical insights.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
