Ubud for beginner. A sketch in Short (2)

A tribute to the life (and death) of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad

Bedulu village

The life of a great men sometimes written in history. He/she leaves a lasting impact on society. But the life of a great souls often begins in humble circumstances. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (Lempad) is one of them. He shaping the Balinese art, especially Ubud, in significant ways. And it started from Yeh Pulu, one of a village in highland of Bedulu, Gianyar.

Back to the 14th-century, where the Bedulu villagers carved the daily activities on the rock wall as a grateful feelings to the King and Gods. Bedulu is Lempad’s hometown. From the reliefs, I can feel how tough and great the spirit of the ancient Balinese people.

An ascetic figure

This reliefs was found by the Dutch troops, during the Kingdom of Ubud in 1925. The width of the wall ranges from 2m to 25m. 

Stairway to heaven 

The hunter (?) 

The elephant headed god Ganesh

 The house of Lempad, Ubud

Lempad (died 1978) was a Balinese polymath. Known for his knowledge and expertise spanning across numerous disciplines. He well known as a sculptor, painter, architect, who built palaces and temples in Ubud. 

The stone carved figure

Lempad, together with Rudolph Bonnet (Netherlands), Walter Spies (Germany) and Cokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, formed Pita Maha in 1936. Some of Lempad’s sculpting affected by the friendship with artist from the “west”. Especially Art Deco. 

Art Deco is a visual style on design, product, and architecture, was flourish during 20’s to 30’s. Based on design history, Art Deco represented technological progress and exquisite craftsmanships. 

Selfie at Bedulu’s paddy rice field 

Small waterfall into Pakrisan river

Bedulu’s Banten 

Today, Yeh Pulu known as an archeological site destination for tourists. It has been a well maintained by the village apparatus. I arrived on site by motorcycle, at 8.30 am. I suggest to visit this site in the morning, so you can walk along the path in comfortably and cold weather. 

I Gusti Gde Udayana. Lempad’s grand son

I met with Lempad’s grand son, in coincidence. Early February 2024. Just because I’ve heard about the great of Lempad arts from my lecturer and colleagues. I’m grateful to have an opportunity to visited Lempad the house of Bali. 

See you again!

You can watch the video here 

Ubud, Bali

February 2024

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