Indonesia: The Traditional Keliki Painting Technique

Exploring the Keliki Painting Technique: A Lesson in Tradition and Detail

IBDP Visual Arts/Cultural Experiences/World Curriculum by Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

Sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you’re searching for something else entirely. While in Bali, I was on a mission to find a Sepitco painting depicting the Kecak Fire Dance, a performance rooted in the Balinese culture. However, instead of just finding a painting, I stumbled upon something even more fascinating—an art form that connects patience, precision, and storytelling. That’s how I ended up at the Wayan Balik Art Studio, an incredible family-run space where I was introduced to the world of Keliki painting.

Located in the heart of Bali’s artistic scene, Wayan Balik Art Studio has been preserving the Keliki painting tradition for generations. This technique, named after the Keliki village, is a miniature style of Balinese painting, where artists use fine black ink lines and natural pigments to create highly detailed compositions.

The subjects often include mythological stories, scenes from daily life, or spiritual symbolism, painted with precision. As I learned more, I was interested in the beauty of the paintings and the dedication and patience required to master this art form.

This technique has been passed down within families, and at Wayan Balik Art Studio, I could see that firsthand. The studio was a workspace and it featured the artistic heritage of the family. Parents, children, and even grandchildren were all involved in the process, ensuring that Keliki's painting remains alive in a rapidly modernizing world. Watching them work, I was reminded of how art serves as a bridge between past and present, and how essential it is to preserve these traditions.

Inspired by this experience, I am now bringing Keliki painting into my IB Visual Arts classroom. My students will explore this technique as a technical exercise, using storytelling techniques to promote cultural appreciation. They will learn about Balinese mythology, experiment with fine ink drawing, and practice patience—an often-overlooked skill in today’s fast-paced world.

How the Lesson Plan is Designed

Title: Keliki Painting: Storytelling Through Fine Ink Techniques

Grade Level: IBDP Visual Arts

Duration: 3-4 classes

Objective:

• Introduce students to Keliki painting and its cultural significance in Bali.

• Develop skills in detailed ink drawing, focusing on line work, storytelling, and composition.

• Encourage students to explore their own cultural narratives using a miniature art format.

Materials:

• Fine ink pens, black ink, and brushes

• Handmade or textured paper (to mimic traditional Balinese materials)

• Pencils for sketching compositions

• Research resources (books, articles, images of traditional Keliki paintings)

Lesson Structure:

1. Introduction to Keliki Painting (Class 1)

• Presentation on Balinese art traditions, focusing on Keliki painting and its connection to mythology and storytelling.

• Discussion on why miniature formats were used and how cultural preservation plays a role in keeping this tradition alive.

• Demonstration of fine ink techniques, including how to control line weight and build intricate details.

• Students practice basic ink strokes and patterns inspired by Keliki motifs.

2. Developing a Narrative (Class 2)

• Each student selects a myth, folklore, or personal story to illustrate in the Keliki style.

• Composition planning: students create thumbnail sketches to organize their ideas within a miniature format.

• Experimentation with Balinese-inspired border designs and natural motifs.

3. Ink Application & Final Artwork (Class 3-4)

• Students begin inking their compositions, focusing on precision, texture, and depth.

• Exploration of negative space and contrast to create an intricate visual narrative.

• Group critique sessions where students reflect on their process, discuss challenges, and analyze their storytelling choices.

• Final presentation and exhibition of completed works, alongside written reflections on their learning journey.

Assessment Criteria:

• Technical mastery of fine ink techniques.

• Cultural understanding: the ability to connect artwork to historical or personal narratives.

• Creativity and originality: individual approach to Keliki-style storytelling.

• Reflection and documentation: students record their artistic decisions in their Process Portfolio.

Why This Matters

This lesson invites students to slow down, embrace patience, and think deeply about the stories they tell through art. Keliki painting, with its details and historical significance, serves as a powerful lesson in cultural appreciation and artistic discipline. Through this project, my students will develop a greater respect for traditional art forms while learning how to infuse their own identities into their work.

I can’t wait to see the results of this journey in my classroom and witness how my students bring their own cultural influences into the world of Keliki painting!

Ms. Mila Vasconcelos