Satya Cipta is a self-taught Balinese artist. Her work combines intricate compositions with powerful lines, creating a vivid aesthetic that challenges conventional norms, even broaching taboo subjects within Balinese art.
Born in Lombok - an island neighboring Bali - but raised within a minority Balinese community in South Sumatra, Satya's upbringing as an outsider within her own culture gave her a unique perspective. Her education in theater and performance in Jakarta further broadened her worldview, leading her to confront the stark disparities between Balinese religious rituals and the treatment of women in everyday life.
Her art, laden with explicit depictions of the human body and rich in symbolism, explores the mysteries of human life and its origins, and sheds light on the plight of women in Balinese society. Satya juxtaposes themes such as resentment, loveless marriages, adultery, and rape, with fertility, intimacy, solitude, and passionate love. Her work symbolizes a call for change, even in the face of criticism and societal constraints, as she strives to empower Balinese women to stand up and protest against deeply ingrained patriarchal norms.
In her first solo exhibition, "A Budding Talent," held at Ubud's Puri Lukisan in 2018, she fearlessly delved into the multifaceted aspects of women's lives in Balinese culture. Unlike the prevalent portrayal of male sexuality in Balinese art, Satya unflinchingly confronted female sexuality, exposing the violence and suffering that often remain hidden.
She has also been working professionally as an art and show director for theater, film and festivals across Indonesia including the Toraja International Festival (TIF). Since 2018, she has also been performing as a singer in the indigenous music ensemble Indonesian National Orchestra (INO), performing extensively in Indonesia, Asia, Australia and Europe.