One of the leading groups of artists in recent Balinese history is the Galang Kangin (Bright East). Founded in 1996 by 9 young artists, this group burst on the scene with a critically acclaimed exhibition celebrating the opening of Bali's own art academy (ISI) in 1996. With styles varying greatly from the figurative to abstract, all members of Galang Kangin share the view that the essential elements of good art are grounded in color, composition and balance.
In 14 years since the group's inception, many of its members have met with great individual success. In that time the group has maintained its ties and artistic commitment through more than 20 group exhibitions. Among the most important of these was the 2006 "Triumph and Defeat"exhibition held at Griya Santrian Gallery that saw early and contemporary works of each artist juxtaposed to demonstrate the progression of the group's artistic evolution in the decade since its founding.
In the current exhibition, Galang Kangin's members - Agung Putra Dela, Ardika, Ari Winata, Budiadnyana, Diwarupa, Galung, Gunawan, Muliana, Naya Suanta, Setem, Soma Wijaya, Sudana, Supena and Teler present their latest creations in an exhibition that chronicles trends in contemporary Balinese art.
