Images of Power: Balinese Paintings Made for Gregory Bateson and Margaret Mead

Balinese Trilogy #1

by Hildred Geertz

Geertz (anthropology, Princeton U.) presents Balinese pen-and-ink pictures made between 1936 and 1938, made under the influence of two European artists and using Western materials and forms, but depicting the world of Balinese folktales, ritual drama, and dreams. Geertz probes the Balinese notion of mystical power and sorcery, and examines the relationship between the collected paintings and the tourist art in less remote villages. Includes b&w photos as well as the paintings, painter's profiles, and a glossary. A beautiful book. 9x12". Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1994

Reviews

[Janelle Trees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A master work, reflecting decades of perseverance, curiosity and insight.
This book permits the lay reader a little insight into the complex and fascinating cosmology and culture of the Balinese.

[Eva Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations explained carefully in detail showing important rituals, beliefs, and events in Bali. Artists are compare-contrasted in themes, treatment of subject matter and overall message. Artists bios are also interesting and include things like their relationship with Mead and Bateman, political leanings (I.e. anti-colonial protests) when applicable and family background. Reading it, you get a sense of the important issue in Bali, the what is everyday life like, the view from outsiders versus Balinese, and most fun of all griping narratives of deities, spirits and endangered but trickster humans.