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In Search of Art, Batik and Other Distractions ( first posted on thebarefootfoodie.org on 7 Nov 2022 )

 

In Search of Art, Batik and Other Distractions

NOVEMBER 7, 2022BAREFOOT TRAVELS
They say that three’s a crowd, but it didn’t happen with these three. Take one serious, but game for anything, one funny even when she’s serious, and one more funny than serious and you have a party. It was intended to be an arts and batik trip to Yogya ( aka Jogjakarta ) but thankfully, there were no direct flights to Yogya, so we also got to spend a few blissful days in Bali.

SNAPSHOTS OF BALI

If All Caves Were Like These...The Cave By Ryan Cliff at Uluwatu

I Can Happily Be a Cave Woman...

Mad Hatters after a scoop at Biasa - Oops my shopping bag looks a tad bigger

5000 lost souls by Liina Klaus at Potato Head
Canggu is the place for digital nomads, or just restless ones. Chilling at Como Umo Canggu, watching the sunset

The locals do it closer to the water at Echo Beach

We were sold be their socially responsible tagline. Repeat visits here to oogle, then to their retail shop and outlet for a good dose of retail therapy

My Go-to Jolly Driver, Tio

There were a few crazy moments which got us in stitches. For some reason, all cars in Bali look alike and they all come in a certain make - White. On a sunny afternoon in Canggu, after another bout of boutiques, we called for Tio to pick us up. A white car drove up, and it kept inching a bit further and further away from us. Come on, Tio, stop! Finally the car backed into a side lane and the three of us jumped in. It was not Tio. I think the driver was more stunned by us. We all mouthed a silent scream and jumped off. It took a total of 5 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of explosive laughter. That look on the driver’s face – priceless. For the rest of the day, Tio never knew why we kept breaking out laughing. Just 3 happy women after a shopping fix. Wah-ha-ha-ha.

I’m still in stitches  after being greeted by this display of 6 pillows in Deena’s room. We kept asking for twin beds for Anna and I, and a double bed for Deena, plus extra pillows. This is what Deena got.


SNAPSHOTS OF YOGJA

Even the best laid plans can go awry. The art scene in Yogya was underwhelming while the endless bombardment of Batik got us into a state of ” Fa-tik” The UNESCO sites of Borobudur were open but visitors could not enter the temples anymore ( how come the entrance fees are still so phenomenally high! ) We also found out drivers in Yogja only drive and do not speak English, so we had to settle for premium service with a guide who could direct the driver to far-flung art studios on my researched list. The guide turned out to be such a bonus because he brought us to the only gallery where we did buy some art works and vintage batik, and also tracked down Papermoon Puppet Theatre which opened its doors to him- and to us, thanks to his persuasive charm.

Borobudur – ticked and intagram-med

Yes, this is truly the best we could do, since there is no access to go up. Bummer

Now here’s something interesting – recycled bottle art on the grounds of Borobudur

Dinner before Ramayana Ballet at Prambanum which looks stunning after sunset

Prabanum at Night

Ramayana Theatre was one of the highlights of Yogja. Our resourceful guide explained the story before the performance and it made all the difference between a question mark and an exclaimation!

Just in case the cast needs some extras

This place of worship and meditation has a beautiful story behind it. Popularly called the " Chicken Church" but open to all faiths. A worthwhile detour from the usual temple route

Inside the Chicken Church

Affendi Museum - his home, his life, his works and final resting place, together with his one true love

Take a look inside and discover what makes Affandi a legend!

Umar and Yazumi – artist owners of Limanjawi Art House, artspace, cafe, boutique and home to exotic pets

The mozzie patch is our favourite accessory in this part of the world

Wawan Geni, the artist who paints with cigarette ash.


Deena posing with Andy. Who;s the other guy?

Surely Andy, you’ re worth more that that!

Beautiful Borobudur from far

Triptych of Life During Covid

Limited editions at Lululutfitlabibi Boutique

She wears her Lulu well

A Canting to poke around with

Sarongs, fans and a bit of Jogek

Finally found something to pack into the luggage

It was tricky but we managed to track it down

There's something about puppets...

Papermoon Puppet Studio - Who's pulling the strings?

OHD Museum, Magelang

The World is Coming Apart

OHD saw it coming

Kim and Trump - A tale of a bromance that didn't quite take off

This one's for all longsuffering catpawrents - I Feel You - Sangkring Art

People Looking at Art

Cheers to a wonderful holiday with awesome travelling buddies!

And so it was, that all good things have to end. Anna and Deena came home with art that resonated with them, and I with a relatively fat wallet, still intact. They found their piece of Lulu, I got mine earlier at Mizuma Gallery when they presented a group show featuring Lululutfilabibi.
( Footnote – all good things come to those who wait. I finally found something I really liked at a studio in Singapore. Turns out it was waiting all this while for me to take it home. 😍)


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