CushCush Gallery

CushCush Gallery CushCush Gallery, an addition to CushCush family, it is conceived as a platform for creative collabo

CushCush Gallery, an addition to CushCush family, it is conceived as a platform for creative collaborations in contemporary design + art in Bali.

Our exploration tour of Bali ended on a colorful note as the designers visited the home of Ida Ayu Triyana Saraswati (Da...
31/08/2026

Our exploration tour of Bali ended on a colorful note as the designers visited the home of Ida Ayu Triyana Saraswati (Dayu) and her family, who specialize in the preparation of traditional offerings for ceremonies. Every Balinese can prepare their own offerings, but the Brahmin caste to whom Dayu and her family belong, specializes in the preparation of more elaborate creations meant for a wide range of rituals and ceremonies. Many Balinese turn to them for their knowledge of the required elements for each offering.
Dayu learnt about the preparation of offerings from her mother-in-law, after moving into her husband’s household. She introduced various types of offerings being prepared on that day by her family members. The gebogan is probably the most recognizable offering of all, as it is the one most seen on the streets. Stacks of various fruits and confections are piled up on each other to form the shape of a small mountain, which women balance on their heads on the way to major ceremonies.
The designers could also admire a striking pregembal, one of the most impressive creations on display. An elaborate offering featuring colorful decorations made of rice flour symbolizing Cili, the representation of the goddess Dewi Sri, and nature’s blessings in the form of fruits, flowers and animals. This intricate offering is presented for important ceremonies such as weddings or the annual anniversaries of temples (odalan).
The designers were in awe of the women’s dexterity and speed as they delicately cut and assembled palm leaves to create little containers ready to be filled with flowers and plants. One of the women showed Clara how to create one of them for fun.

slide 1, 17, 18, by Silki Anisa
slide 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19 by Martino Wayan
slide 7, 10, by Anargya Lahfah
slide 6, 12, 13 by Komang Ary

Next step on our exploration of Bali, was the village of Singapadu, famed for its traditional mask making. The designers...
31/08/2026

Next step on our exploration of Bali, was the village of Singapadu, famed for its traditional mask making. The designers met Cokorda Raka Sedana, a master mask maker in an unusual place: a cremation ground in the heart of the village, at the foot of a majestic p**e tree. Pak Cok first presented offerings and prayers to request the tree’s permission for our team’s presence.
Considered sacred and known for its soft and durable wood, the p**e tree is a primary material to make traditional sacred masks. The tree also often bears wounds, as pak Cok explained that people often scrape off the tree’s bark, believed to hold medicinal properties.
To make a mask is a complex process, which starts by a ceremony to request permission from the tree itself to collect a small piece of wood the mask will be sculpted from.
The designers made their way to pak Cok’s studio, passing by parasok (white sisal) plants. These can be found everywhere around Singapadu, as their fibers are harvested to become part of the impressive headpieces of mythical creatures and other characters in Balinese theater. Pak Cok showed the designers the traditional way the fiber is processed to produce the natural fibers that are then braided to create a character’s hair.

After exploring Northern Bali, Clara and Tjok headed south to explore the Bali Aga village of Tenganan Pegringsingan and...
30/08/2026

After exploring Northern Bali, Clara and Tjok headed south to explore the Bali Aga village of Tenganan Pegringsingan and its unique way of managing its customary forest.
The designers were welcomed by Putu Yudiana, a member of the customary authority managing the village’s communal and religious affairs. Pak Putu gave them precious insight into Tenganan’s unique way of life and organization, especially regarding the management of its forest and natural resources. A staggering 90% of Tenganan’s huge land is covered by the forest, leaving the village and its activities as a small footprint on the territory. Pak Putu explained more about awig-awig, a set of customary rules regulating the village, especially regarding the management of the forest and its abundant resources. The rules are strictly enforced and substantial fines are planned for those disobeying. Trees can only be cut down in very specific cases, like when a tree is dead or has been burnt. Newlyweds are also allowed to cut 3 to 5 trees to be used to construct their new home. The trees given cannot be sold in exchange for money, otherwise a hefty fine of 2000 p*s bolong (Chinese coins) and the value of all the trees sold shall be paid to the village authorities. The people of Tenganan pay high respect to trees, even giving them names. Jackfruit, cempaka and majegau essences can be harvested but cannot be cut down, as they play a major role in ceremonies. Certain fruits are forbidden to harvest privately, such as the durian because of its high commercial value or candle nuts, as they remain an essential ingredient used in the making of the sacred gringsing cloths.

Traveling down rugged hills from Tigawasa to the sea, the designers continued their exploration of Northern Bali. They f...
29/08/2026

Traveling down rugged hills from Tigawasa to the sea, the designers continued their exploration of Northern Bali. They first stopped at Pura Beji Sangsit, to take in its breathtaking architecture, with exuberant reliefs depicting vegetal and intricate decorative elements characteristic of Northern Bali. The temple holds great significance for the nearby Sangsit village, especially for its farmers. Dedicated to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility, the temple holds a well (beji) associated with a water source held sacred by the farming community, as it feeds the subak irrigating their fields. The figure of the goddess sitting at the top of the temple’s tallest structure presides over its worshippers, as they pray for bountiful harvests. Two small pools of water decorated by statues of nymphs adorn the back of the temple. Pura Beji Sangsit is also remarkable for its unusual features. Built with red and pink-toned sandstone, it also features rare traces of pigments as well as small statues depicting Dutch colonial officials.

After a wonderful day spent learning about the forest, from its biodiversity to its central place in the lives of the Al...
28/08/2026

After a wonderful day spent learning about the forest, from its biodiversity to its central place in the lives of the Alas Mertajati community, the designers continued further north to reach Tigawasa. One of five Bali Mula villages in the region, it is known for its symbiotic bond with bamboo.
I Gede Guntur Juniarta, a young activist involved in bamboo weaving through his MaiKubu initiative welcomed the designers. MaiKubu means “coming home” in Tigawasa’s dialect, symbolizing his conscious effort to settle back down in his village to promote its unique way of life and bamboo products. A family affair, MaiKubu also involves his mother and uncle, while Bli Guntur himself welcomes visitors. He took the designers on a full tour of the village to show them the vital role played by the plant in their everyday life and economy.
Bamboo is found everywhere in Tigawasa, in the forest surrounding the village, in various architectural elements or in the finely woven baskets that are the pride of the village. More importantly, the plant plays a central role in religious rituals. Bli Guntur explained how bamboo is the main medium for the villagers to pay homage to their god. The forest itself is considered sacred and holds nine temples with no permanent structure. Simple altars made of bamboo can be found in the forest, placed by the villagers at sites that “feel right”. Bamboo is also an essential part of the offerings presented to their god during ceremonies and festivals. Bli Guntur then took the designers to his grandfather’s home, where he showed them another important part of their religious practice. Placed above a bed structure, a simple bamboo platform known as plaga serves as an altar to present offerings. Such altars can be found everywhere in the village, especially in homes, in the oldest person’s room.

After gaining insight about Bali’s belief system and ancient history, the designers continued their journey north, trave...
26/08/2026

After gaining insight about Bali’s belief system and ancient history, the designers continued their journey north, traveling to Danau Tamblingan to explore the sacred forest of Alas Mertajati and its rich biodiversity. The designers had the chance to meet Putu Ardana, one of the leading figures of Catur Desa Adat Tamblingan, a Bali Mula collectivity consisting of the four customary villages of Goblek, Munduk, Gesing and Umajero, acting as caretaker of the forest. Together with Ketut Basma, a community member expert in its biodiversity and Nyoman Werdiasa, a local youth activist and member of Brasti, the organization dedicated to protecting the sacred forest, pak Putu Ardana guided them for a memorable day in the forest.
The designers started their day by catching the sunrise at the scenic Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan that seemed to float on the peaceful waters of Danau Tamblingan. Built in the 10th century, the temple is one of 17 interconnected shrines found within Alas Mertajati and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of Water and Lakes protecting the forest and the lake. Pak Putu explained the origins of the community and its deep spiritual bond with the Mertajati forest. Coming from the Balinese words “tamba” (medicine) and “Elingang”(spiritual power), Tamblingan is said to have been founded by a sage who cured the indigenous community from an illness using water. Ever since, the Bali Mula community has followed agama tirta (the religion of water), worshipping water as the very source of life and a medium of purification to ensure cosmic balance. As a result, the Bali Mula view natural elements and the forest itself as a sacred entity that must be protected at all costs. This deep belief is embedded in the name of the forest itself: mertajati, the “true source of life”.

After visiting Gunung Kawi, the designers made their way to the nearby Subak Pulagan accompanied by pak Made Susanta Dwi...
26/08/2026

After visiting Gunung Kawi, the designers made their way to the nearby Subak Pulagan accompanied by pak Made Susanta Dwitanaya. Like Gunung Kawi, the subak is part of the Pakerisan river basin recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Subak Pulagan receives its irrigation directly from a spring located close to the famous Tirta Empul temple. A system of weirs feeds water into the Pakerisan river allowing it to flow down into the rice fields.
The designers first took a walk into the rice fields, where farmers were busy preparing their fields for the upcoming planting of the rice. Pak Made took the time to explain in more detail about the origins and the organization of the subak. Mentioned in old Balinese inscriptions known as prasasti, this system has existed since ancient times. Subak Pulagan is thought to be among the oldest in Bali, built under the reign of King Udayana in the 10th century.
More than an irrigation system, the subak is a complex self-regulating organization involving numerous rituals and customary rules, embodying the Tri Hita Karana philosophy. Ceremonies mark the various stages of the rice cultivation cycle. Each season starts with mapag toya, a ceremony to “welcome the water”, before the farmers start preparing to plant. It is performed at Pura Bedugul Subak near the spring’s source. Other rituals are performed before seeds are sowed, before the rice is planted, when the rice starts to turn yellow and before the harvest.
In addition to these religious rituals, the subak entails a set of customary rules ensuring harmonious relations between its members as well as proper maintenance of its environment. As a collective self-regulating body, it ensures that all members are treated equally. The rules are precise, down to the exact size that canals and weirs must respect. Sanctions are enforced in case of misbehavior. The system thus contributes to minimizing conflict among its members, while encouraging them to help each other during the planting season or in case of natural disasters such as floods in the spirit of gotong royong.

After a full-on weekend at Jia Curated, we kicked off our ADIR residency with a tour of Bali to introduce our resident d...
25/08/2026

After a full-on weekend at Jia Curated, we kicked off our ADIR residency with a tour of Bali to introduce our resident designers to the island’s varied landscapes and culture while highlighting the multifaceted aspects of the forest.
Our trip started with a visit to the world heritage site of Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring, taking the designers on a journey back to ancient times, allowing them to witness the transition from the Stone Age to the rise of agriculture and the island's bountiful rice terraces.
Believed to date back to the 11th century, Gunung Kawi is Bali’s largest temple complex, built as a funerary memorial to king Udayana and his sons on each side of the Pakerisan river. The candis (shrines) dedicated to the royals were sculpted into the rock in a semi-circle formation as a tribute to Shiva and his association to the moon, harmoniously integrating into the natural landscape.
I Made Susanta Dwitanaya, an art researcher and curator, whose family is part of the community living in Tampaksiring, guided the designers throughout the site. Himself a caretaker of the complex, he gave them insight about its significance in the Balinese cultural landscape. He explained how Gunung Kawi is part of a network of temples built in proximity to water sources that play a central role in the subak, an ecologically sustainable collective water management system that allows the irrigation of Bali’s rice fields. From its nearby source, the water flows throughout the temple thanks to an ingenious system of canals and weirs on to the rice fields below. As such, Gunung Kawi is the manifestation of the core Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (“Three reasons of wellbeing”), promoting harmony between the human world and the realms of spirituality and nature.

25/08/2026

Mawlid Al-Nabi 1448H
25 Agustus 2026

It was heartwarming to see the high numbers of you who came by to meet the amazing Balinese artists and artisans who col...
24/08/2026

It was heartwarming to see the high numbers of you who came by to meet the amazing Balinese artists and artisans who collaborated with us to bring our ADIR collections to life. Every day we invited different artisans to take the stage at our booth so that visitors could get a chance to witness their incredible skills with their own eyes. We kicked off with I Made Griyawan, showcasing his delicate yet striking art of Batuan painting. Our audience was in for a special treat on the next day as Ketut Sudiana and his son not only showed how the motifs of traditional shadow puppets are painstakingly chiseled into cowhide but also performed a lively rendition of one of the famous Tantri tales, a fable about the consequences of greed and abuse of the environment. Ida Ayu Ngurah Puniari and her husband Ida Bagus Made Adnyana took the stage on the next day, showcasing gorgeous pieces from their collection of sacred Balinese textiles while showcasing the complex art of weaving on a traditional cagcag loom and demonstrating the process of thread spinning locally known as nganyinin. Cokorda Raka Sedana and his fellow mask makers closed this impressive series as they delicately sculpted various characters into p**e wood, while masks in various stages of completion were on display for all to admire.
Meanwhile, our ADIR 2026-2027 designers in residence visited Jia Curated on its closing day. After taking a stroll around Pengembak beach to discover the booths of fellow designers and architects from the region, they made their way to our booth to meet and exchange with fellow creatives and visitors, before they fully embark on their residency!
Our deepest thanks to all that were involved for their participation as well as our team for supporting all activities that made the whole experience so much more meaningful and interactive!
ADIR 2026 -2027 is a cross-residency with Arcade – Design à la campagne®️
In partnership with the French Embassy in Indonesia and the Institut Français d’Indonésie
Supported by the Institut Français, Direction Régionale des Affaires Culturelles de la Région Franche- Comté , Région Franche- Comté

Address

Jalan Teuku Umar, Gang Rajawali No. 1A
Denpasar
80114

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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+62361242034

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