I Nyoman Darsane

I Nyoman Darsane is a Balinese artist, who was born in 1939 to rice farmers, but was raised and educated in the local ruler's palace with one of the princes. As a result, he learned Balinese culture and religion (Hinduism), and also became a musician, dancer and puppet player. When Darsane later studied art at Universitas Diponogoro in Java, he met a Christian woman who became his wife. Darsane returned to Bali as a professional artist and Christian. As he sought ways to combine Balinese arts with the message of the gospel, his motto became “Bali is my body. Christ is my life.” He was rejected by his family and community after becoming a Christian, though he has recaptured much of his family's respect due to his attempt to remain Balinese in his Christian art and life. In Java he became acquainted with Western culture and this influence can be seen in his artwork, which is nonetheless very much in keeping with his indigenous Hindu-Balinese religion and culture. http://indigenousjesus.blogspot.com/2010/05/featured-artist-nyoman-darsane.html