I WAYAN SUDANA Balinese, born 1966 The Tooth Filing Ceremony (Potong Gigi) Oil on canvas Signed lower right. Finely detailed painting depicting a ceremonial scene, likely a blessing or tooth-filing ritual (potong gigi), a traditional Balinese rite of passage. Two elaborately costumed figures, wearing tall gilded headdresses adorned with white frangipani-like flowers and richly patterned ceremonial garments, attend to a young man wearing a checked sarong who kneels between them. The painting is executed in the fine-line detailed style characteristic of the Ubud school of Balinese painting, with muted earth tones offset by intricate gold and patterned costume work. It is presented in an elaborately hand-carved Balinese wood frame with scrolling floral and foliate motifs. 20.25 x 16.75 inches; frame: 28 x 24 inches $300-400
ARTIST PROFILE: I Wayan Sudana (born 1966) is a senior Balinese expressionist painter based in Tebesaya, Ubud, Bali. Raised in the artist-rich village of Peliatan, he began painting at the age of ten, studying under his older cousin I Ketut Ginarsa and master painter I Wayan Djudjul. Sudana is highly regarded for his vivid depictions of traditional Balinese dancers, ceremonial gatherings, and scenes of village life, rendered in bold, expressive brushwork and rich, saturated color that capture the dynamic energy of Balinese culture — notable examples include *Arja Dance* and *Baris Dance in Village (Igel Baris di Desa)*. In addition to his own celebrated body of work, Sudana teaches numerous students within his community, contributing to the continuation of Ubud's painting tradition. His paintings are exhibited in local galleries and have occasionally appeared in international auction markets.
