Artistry and Playful Culture: Megapapan's Impact on Bali's Artisan Scene in Ubud
From original illustration as practical storytelling and new ways for people interested in culture to consume it, to products for lifestyle living, illustration from Bali’s artisans has a host of different angles to appeal to the modern buyer. Megapapan duo Aldilla and Krishna founder the graphic design and illustration duo, based in Ubud, have takenBalinese motifs and combined them with international, popular memes to create work that has been showcased in recent event Artistry.Bali at SIKA Gallery, Ubud, throughout May and June 2016, created as badges and magnets which tell stories of life in Bali.
The illustrations and products of Megapapan, the work of founder couple Aldilla and Krishna, are expressed by the graphic design and the illustration skills of both. The quirky designs of badges and magnets made of the graphic stories of Balinese life are not only addressing art collectors but also people who are searching for home decor that carries local identity and humor. Balinese motifs are mixed with international memes and by using symbols of Balinese culture such as the penjor, the iconic objects of Hindu rituals and celebration are being used.
Ubud is currently considered as one of the biggest creative hubs in the Island. In the post-pandemic era, many new brands of artisans emerge, and they are being supported by galleries and other venues to showcase their work. For buyers who are relocating to Bali, or those who are investing in property here, the creative culture of Ubud with its traditional values will be a great asset. However, one must be mindful of the scale and the stability of the art market. The market can fluctuate greatly depending on the tourism flow and also local conditions.
Supporting collaborations between experienced artists and emerging talents, venues such as the gallery space of Artistry.Bali help to sustain creative projects and establish a network of like-minded professionals who can offer valuable feedback and support. For the lifestyle buyer, Artistry.Bali offers a forum within which to connect with the island’s creative community and explore new projects and ventures that can help to add value to a Bali-based property. For the investor, however, the appeal of the island’s artistic community is largely confined to the niche market of like-minded buyers who are willing to pay a premium for a property that promises to deliver a unique and enriching lifestyle experience.
A third point to consider here, is how items of practical design can serve to extend the aspect of local art to everyday items such as bags, pins, patches, magnets that can be used around the house or on the move as Digital Nomads. Such collectibles can form a great conversation piece for occasional residents and even provide temporary ‘belonging’ for those who never intend to purchase and live in a property in Bali. The return on investment for such items is non-existent and thus may not impact on the capital growth or rental returns of a property in the long term.
Practical Takeaways for Buyers & Investors:
- Lifestyle buyers interested in Ubud should check out the various collective of artisan(s) in Ubud such as Artistry.Bali to get a flavor of the artist(s) and their creative work(s) that can enhance your living experience in Ubud in the long run.
- The designs by local artists and designers can be great inexpensive ways for Digital Nomads and other Seasonal Residents to give their rental homes and serviced apartments a personality and feel of home, temporarily.
- The value that artisan culture in Ubud can bring as a ‘lifestyle premium’ for Investment returns is limited.
- Connecting with local artists to create home décor and participate in community projects to enhance the use of a property.
A broader issue is posed here. As the art scene is increasingly a melting pot of traditional methods and tools and cutting edge technology how will this developing identity be utilized in new property developments and lifestyle projects in various parts of the island, indeed community-led projects and other enclaves. It will be interesting to see the mark left by artistic ventures such as that of Megapapan.
