This is the couple's first joint show featuring a collection of both their individual works as well as mixed-media collages, which combine Burns' paintings with Tan's photography. While this is clearly a collaborative effort, the two artists have their own distinctive styles.
Burns creates abstracts of holy shrines and local landscapes in bold colors, while Tan captures the Balinese culture and people in her poignant photographs.
This collaboration shows how two artists can come together with two completely different mediums, yet combine their works almost seamlessly. This is certainly the case with the two works Fire Horse by Burns and Kecak Dancer by Tan, which are joined together to create a sizable art piece.
When asked how this piece became a reality Tan said: "I saw the kecak show twice and I felt really moved by the chanting, so I suggested to Greg that we should collaborate on this piece".
Burns agreed and decided to meld together the image of the horse, an animal that he has always held a fondness for, with the kecak dancers.
"When I saw Angie's photo of the kecak dancers, with the red, the fire and the movement of the dance, I thought it was wonderful; it inspired me to do a painting of it myself."
Burns' use of vivid layered colors next to Tan's striking image of the kecak dancers surrounded by fire blend together as one complete work of art. There is a communication between these two pieces that the artists have successfully illustrated.
"Mixed media is an interesting phenomenon," said Bruce Carpenter, an art historian who also works as a consultant for the Four Seasons Resort Bali.
"It's something that developed in the 30s with collages. Photography has always had a challenge, because it hasn't always been considered a fine art."
Burns has been inspired by the lush tropical environment in Bali. His work exemplifies a modern expressionist style which is incorporated into Balinese imagery in subtle ways. This can be seen in his painting entitled: Water Temple, which depicts a classic Balinese entrance to the temple. In the background is a bright yellow sky. His paintings are mysterious in their abstract representations of Balinese iconography and landscapes, yet he uses a figurative style that allows the viewer to arrive at their own interpretation.
"He is a mature artist. That's why he can paint so many paintings in such a short time. He has spent a lot of time studying, absorbing and trying to comprehend the intricacies of art. He has put his perceptions of color and form together and has also of course imbued it with the local culture in regards to the architecture," Carpenter said.
Many of Burns' paintings are inspired by holy images in Bali, such as Family Shrine, an elegant painting in soft greens with hints of yellow and orange. The shrine is situated at the top of the painting. Burns is a master of subtlety allowing the subject of this piece to speak for itself.
Tan's photographs are much more direct; they experiment with acrylic paint and pigment ink on Kodak paper, which is mounted on canvas. Again, the lines between the two mediums are blurred creating an illusion of a painting that looks like a photograph.
In Routine, young Balinese girls practice a traditional dance. The photograph gives the viewer a glimpse of an exotic culture, yet the title conveys another meaning altogether. And a beautiful young Balinese girl gently gazes at us.
Both artists have a deep understanding of the Balinese culture which is skillfully reflected in their works. One of the strongest collaborative pieces at the exhibit was the trio that included Rice Jewels, a powerful photograph by Tan which depicts a magnified sheath of rice with a radiant green background. In the center of the trio is Rice Gods, a painting by Burns that portrays an abstract perspective of a rice field. The green and blue colors in his painting blend perfectly with Tan's photograph. On the right is Offering II, a photograph of a woman whose face is hidden in shadows as she gracefully holds up a flower to offer to the Gods. This collaborative trio is evocative and even moving, because each artist has come to an understanding about what the other is trying to convey in their work.
Neither of these artists is timid: they make bold statements about the culture they see and experience. Through their successful collaboration we are able to view a unique and powerful representation of Balinese culture and its amazing natural environment.
Ubud Impressions
Gregory Burns and Angie Tan
Aug. 29-Oct. 2
Four Seasons Resort-Sayan
Phone: (0361) 977577
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