Journal of Visual Art and Design
Vol. 17 No. 2 (2025): In Progress

Visual-based Acculturation in Balinese Wayang for the Characters of Jesus and Mary

Darmawan, Andreas James (Unknown)
Marianto, Martinus Dwi (Unknown)
Suteja, I Ketut (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Beauty plays a vital role in persuasive communication, encompassing values such as goodness, usefulness, splendor, comfort, novelty, and metaphorical strength. This study aimed to reinterpret figures of Jesus and Mary through visual language of Balinese wayang, integrating traditional Balinese cultural values. Western visual portrayals often dominate depictions of these Biblical figures, making them appear generic and less engaging to contemporary audiences. Using a qualitative method, with Bishop Robert Barron’s research synthesis of Aristotle, Aquinas, and Balthasar aesthetic, which emphasizes evangelization through beauty. The concept of beauty is explored and expanded toward goodness and truth. Visual designs were developed through literature on Christian philosophy and interviews with Balinese dalang, artisans, Christian writers, and Catholic priests. The study faced challenges in balancing theological reverence with cultural adaptation, which were addressed through contextual design exploration. The outcome is a new form of visual metaphor of Jesus and Mary in Balinese wayang style that reflects both spiritual depth and local aesthetic sensibility, offering a fresh model of religious visual acculturation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jvad

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities

Description

Journal of Visual Art and Design focuses on theoretical and empirical research articles in the Visual Art and Design disciplines in the region of Asia and Pacific. The scope includes the following subject areas: Design and Art History, Visual Culture, Art and Design Methodology, Art and Design ...