peace

Balinese artist Made Pasek Kusuma Wijay chooses to express his plea for world peace in a painting depicting a woman's prayer. "The state of the world is not fine, given the many wars, conflicts between countries and very heartbreaking human tragedies," says the artist. "Let us pray sincerely that the world situation will return to peace as we strive to live a more simple, carefree life with mutual respect and tolerance between our existing differences. Despite the conditions of the world, we always yearn for peace itself.

"Galloping across a surreal mountain landscape, a team of horses carries forward the hope of an entire society from the lofty reality of the highlands to the life of the commoner below. Riding on the back of a bird resembling the Hindu god of strength, Garuda, a faceless woman prays to the divine spirits, having passed through a period of blood and turbulence. Garuda also prays with his human-like hands as if to encourage himself to continue his mission of vigilance.

"Reflected in the grass of the mountains, the woman's prayers mirror above and below the path of the raptor, symbolizing the transverse support from across the country for her mission. A handshake arises from the woman's mind in a floral accord between two immortal parties.

"In a world plagued by conflict and the horrors of violence, the woman's prayer, the subtle handshake and the impressive flight of the god of strength prescribe peace for all of humanity. Realism cannot deliver this humane desire to reality.

"Scaled to surreal proportions, the woman's prayers make multiple appearances in increasing size, while the mighty bird soars above an entire team of horses, with various hands apparent."

As a new day dawns on the orange horizon, every subject of the Earth awakens to a heavenly glow. The line between realism and fantasy stimulates the human imagination just as dreaming of a world flourishing with peace.

Ida Ratna Ningrum conceptualizes the beginning of a new era of peace in this enchanting painting as she depicts an idyllic view into a blooming world of nature. The artist explains that the young girl sits protected under a tree in a thriving green field of harmonious flowers, far from the clutches of monolithic urban society. Finding hope in nature, the young girl embraces a dim globe to bring rejuvenation and a return to innocence, symbolizing the human concept of harmony.

Circling above, a flock of doves foreshadows the cleansing of the world's conscience, themselves being symbols of purity and modesty since ancient times. As humanity is both destined and doomed to a cyclical existence, the arrival of ancient symbols signals great changes to come.

"My definition of world peace is the desire of every human being, all who decide and choose to be at peace in their own way. If humans realize we can all choose to make peace by asking God to give us a heart that is peaceful and calm, then there will be no war. My hope for world peace is that all human beings can individually create something good and respect each other, and then peace will be established," the artist confides.

"The pine forest is cool and functions as a medicinal plant, which is beneficial for human life," says Javanese artist Aldi, who depicts a row of cool-hued pine trees in his lovely landscape painting. The artist uses needle-like strokes to create the details on the trees, which stand in front of a deep blue night sky.

The quiet atmosphere in the forest is suddenly disturbed by the flow of a waterfall that makes its way through with vigorous force to once again become one with the river. Crafted by Javanese artist Aldi using acrylic paints on canvas, this lovely impressionistic landscape conveys peace, tranquility and harmony.

Switch off all the sounds of everyday life and surrender to the peace and serenity this astounding landscape painting evokes. Javanese artist Aldi masterfully works with acrylic paints on canvas to craft a tranquil impressionistic scene bursting with nature's colors. "Rivers are the veins of the earth where water is like the blood of life through which it returns to the heart," he says.