I Wayan Pugur (born 1946) is an Indonesian painter from Penestanan, a village near Ubud, Bali. A gentle and humble figure, he has spent most of his life in his hometown, surrounded by the rice paddies and landscapes that inspire his art. Pugur is known for his vibrant acrylic paintings that portray the daily life, rituals, and natural beauty of Bali in a lively folk-art style.
His artistic journey began in the early 1960s when he met Dutch painter Arie Smit, who encouraged and mentored a group of young Balinese painters later known as the “Young Artists” of Penestanan. Under Smit’s guidance, Pugur developed a distinctive visual language characterized by bright colors, rhythmic compositions, and scenes depicting traditional Balinese life — from temple ceremonies to harvests and village festivities.
Pugur’s paintings gained recognition in Indonesia and abroad, with works featured in notable exhibitions throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. His art has been shown in venues such as the Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco (1965), the Smithsonian Institution’s Young Artists Touring Exhibitions (1964–1965), the National Museum in Singapore (1970–1971), and the Singapore Art Museum (1994). These exhibitions helped introduce Balinese modern art to a wider international audience.
Today, I Wayan Pugur continues to live and paint in Penestanan. His works remain celebrated for their warmth, color, and storytelling — offering a heartfelt portrayal of Balinese community life and the island’s enduring cultural spirit.
