Alir Alur: A Sekala 369 Art and Tattoo Showcase Brings Tattoo Art and Indonesian Heritage Together in Gianyar
From 9 to 17 November 2024, Masa Masa in Gianyar becomes the venue for Alir Alur: A Sekala 369 Art and Tattoo Showcase, an exhibition highlighting the creative works of Bali-based artists Ade Itameda and Eka Mardiys. The exhibition explores the connection between traditional Indonesian decorative arts and contemporary tattoo culture through a diverse collection of visual works.
Recognized as the founders and tattoo artists behind Sekala 369, Ade Itameda and Eka Mardiys have developed a distinctive artistic identity rooted in Balinese and Indonesian cultural symbolism. Their work combines heritage-inspired motifs with modern tattoo techniques, creating a visual language that is both authentic and contemporary.
For this exhibition, Sekala 369 collaborates with Indonesian fashion and batik label Pithecanthropus. The partnership invites the artists to reinterpret selected batik patterns into new artistic forms, including illustrations, paintings, prints, photography, and tattoo concepts. The result is an exhibition that demonstrates how traditional textile designs can evolve into fresh creative expressions while preserving their cultural essence.
Another featured highlight is Bali Project Volume 01, a collaborative photography series created by Ade Itameda together with photographer Ifan Ardiansyah. The project presents tattoo imagery influenced by traditional Balinese ornamental motifs, particularly pepatraan (organic floral decorations) and keketusan (repetitive decorative patterns), showcasing how classical designs can be adapted into body art.
The exhibition title reflects its artistic concept. In Indonesian, "Alir" means to flow, while "Alur" refers to a pathway or sequence. Together, the words symbolize the continuous movement of artistic ideas across cultures, styles, and creative mediums. Visitors will discover influences from Balinese, Javanese, and Peranakan ornamentation alongside classic tattoo traditions such as American Traditional, Old School, and Japanese styles. The exhibition also highlights the artists' ability to translate these inspirations onto various surfaces, from canvas and paper to the human body.
The opening day, held on Saturday, 9 November 2024, includes an artist talk with Ade Itameda and Eka Mardiys, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about their creative process and artistic philosophy. The evening continues with a live DJ performance by Irama Utara, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the exhibition launch.
During the exhibition's final weekend, from 15 to 17 November 2024, visitors can also participate in exclusive flash tattoo sessions available daily between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The tattoo designs presented during these sessions are inspired by the batik collection developed in collaboration with Pithecanthropus, making the experience a unique blend of fashion, tradition, and tattoo artistry.
Alir Alur: A Sekala 369 Art and Tattoo Showcase is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Masa Masa, Gianyar, with free admission for all visitors. The exhibition offers an inspiring opportunity to experience how Indonesian cultural heritage continues to evolve through contemporary visual art and tattoo design.
