Jurnal Kajian Bali
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): Bali Beyond Bali

Visualizing Sacred Narrative: A Case Study on The Intersemiotic Translation of The Book of Esther into Balinese Painting

Diana Erfiani, Ni Made (Unknown)
Chrisma Dewi , Putu (Unknown)
Octovianus L. Awololon, Yohanes (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examines the intersemiotic translation of The Book of Esther into Balinese paintings in the Cheerful Good News collection published by the Indonesian Bible Society (2007). Using a qualitative case study, it analyzes how biblical narratives are reinterpreted through Balinese visual aesthetics using strategies of reduction, addition, focalization, integration, and symbolic adaptation. Each artwork is explored for textual fidelity, cultural and symbolic localization, and multimodal construction. The study highlights how simplification, substitution, and narrative emphasis reframe themes like courage, justice, and divine providence. While some narrative elements are condensed or altered, theological meanings are retained through symbolic codes and emotional framing. Rather than one-to-one equivalence, the process reflects interpretive transformation based on cultural and semiotic norms. The article contributes to translation studies and visual anthropology by applying intersemiotic frameworks within Southeast Asia, demonstrating how sacred texts are visually reimagined through local idioms rooted in religious symbolism and aesthetic tradition.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

kajianbali

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

The Jurnal Kajian Bali (Journal of Bali Studies) is an area study journal that specializes in publishing research-based articles about Bali. The topics of articles about Bali that can be published are very diverse including Balinese culture, politics, music, language, architecture, literature, ...