Dewa Putu (Mokoh)

(b. 1934 — 2010,  Bali, Indonesia)

Dewa Putu Mokoh (Mokoh) was a pioneering Balinese artist whose work boldly bridged traditional and contemporary themes, challenging artistic conventions in Pengosekan, Ubud. Born into a family rich in architectural and musical heritage, Mokoh was the eldest of six children. Despite his early desire to pursue art, he faced resistance from his father, who disapproved of painting as a career. With only three years of formal schooling, Mokoh spent much of his youth working in the rice fields, yet he quietly nurtured his passion for art. Learning from his uncles, renowned artists I Gusti Ketut Kobot and I Gusti Made Baret, Mokoh absorbed techniques rooted in the wayang (traditional puppet) style, which would profoundly shape his evolving aesthetic.

A significant influence in Mokoh’s artistic journey was Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet, a major advocate of modern Balinese art, who encouraged Mokoh to explore beyond conventional themes like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Inspired, Mokoh developed a unique style that captured the warmth, humour, and simplicity of everyday Balinese life. He depicted intimate moments of family life, childhood, and nature, employing gentle colours and clean compositions—a major contrast to the intricate detail of typical Pengosekan’s traditional style. His exploration of taboo subjects, including eroticism, also reflected his commitment to authentic human expression, an area further inspired by his encounter with Italian artist Edmondo (Mondo) Zanolini in 1989.

Mokoh’s unique vision earned him international recognition, with exhibitions worldwide, including a collaborative show with Mondo at the Venice Biennale in 1993 and a solo exhibition at Fukuoka Art Museum in Japan in 1995. Today, his art is featured in private and public collections globally, securing his reputation as a pioneering figure who redefined Balinese art by bridging tradition with personal insight and modernity. His legacy endures, a testament to his courage and creative depth, and his significant contributions to the evolution of contemporary Balinese art.