Balinese papertole

Place a prism over Bali and the light will separate to reveal three distinct streams: the antiquity of South Indian Hinduism, the bustle of the world's largest Islamic country, and the influx of modern tourism and its daily flights of Westerners arriving to lounge in the beach resorts of this island paradise.

In whichever world--Hindu, Islamic, or tourist--Bali occupies a unique position. To experience Bali and its diverse place within modern day Indonesia, it can be best seen in the island's art.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia and Alliance Francais have organized, 'Bali in Miniature'.

The exhibit is aimed to promote understanding of Indonesia through its cultural diversity and to commemorate Asian Heritage Month.

Traditional Balinese dances as well as a workshop of 'papertole' art are part of the festival's highlights. 'Papertole' is a craft where identical prints of the same picture are individually cut out, shaped and built one on top of each other using silicone glue. Papertole images can then be varnished to give it a porcelain effect.

The result is the world's original three dimensional picture--the precursor to all the richness 3D imagery has given us today, from animation to video games to movies.

In Indonesia, 3D papertole has been practiced for many centuries, by internationally recognized artists like Vancouver's own Gertruida Grace Rumantir Tampi. She is the featured artist of the exhibit.