Balinese illustrator Cokorda Martin on the island's enduring spirit and spots that inspire him most

Even displayed next to other vivid works, Cokorda Martin’s art stands out. We first encounter his illustrations at Crossfade, an exhibition by Southeast Asian art curation platform and marketplace GOFY, at Draftland Singapore in 2024. The bold colours, fluid yet razor-clean lines, and smooth symmetry catch the eye. Under his digital pen, figures from Balinese mythology look like they belong solidly in the 21st century, blended intriguingly with Chinese and Japanese cultural imagery. 

Cokorda’s art effortlessly expresses the changing face of his hometown, Bali. Much has been said about the island’s transformation from a sleepy locale to a global tourism hub, and even more about its impact on traditional Balinese culture. But in Cokorda’s work, past and present exist in perfect balance. 

"I’m inspired by Balinese people and how they stay the same despite gentrification and party culture,” says Cokorda during an artist QnA at the Crossfade exhibition. In an email interview with Time Out this year, he adds, “In the morning they work, in the afternoon they pray, and at night they may even party. It’s a reflection of the balance of life.”

You see this perspective most clearly in the aptly named “Past and Present”, a cool and contemporary illustration of a Balinese mythic figure with benign eyes in an elaborate headdress. It clutches a turntable against a backdrop of beer cans and dancing skeletons. 

An eclectic childhood

This cultural mixing and matching is present throughout Cokorda’s body of work. Don’t be surprised if you see Japanese hiragana, Japanese ronin, Chinese dragons, or ancient copper currency (Chinese coins; keping in Bahasa) alongside Bhoma, Mahalakshmi, and other figures from Hindu scriptures and literature. Cokorda also reinterpretes the album art of modern bands like Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Foo Fighters (a playful bit of fan art, if you will) – yet another layer in this cross-cultural soup. 

Perhaps it was inevitable, considering Cokorda’s childhood in rapidly globalising Bali. The island was (and still is) steeped in Hindu spirituality, which seeps through in its distinct architecture – just take the Balinese houses and puras (temples) carved with gods, warriors, demons, and other mythological creatures. At the same time, Bali was opening up to pop cultural influences from the rest of the world. 

First and foremost, Cokorda was influenced by the traditional artists in his family, who sparked his desire to become a traditional Balinese painter. “My grandfather is a specialist in making Barong and Rangda, a typical Balinese mask,” says Cokorda. As a seven-year-old, he grew interested in his grandfather’s sculptures and statues, and was taught basic colouring techniques. 

But it was his exposure to Japanese anime and Chinese art that led to the development of his signature style. Japanese cartoons were being broadcast on TV, which brought Cokorda in touch with the Japanese animated series Dragon Ball Z. He credits it, and the works of the late Akira Toriyama, for nudging him down the path of becoming a "modern" digital illustrator. His concurrent love of console games led him to “Dynasty Warriors”, a Japanese game based on the Chinese novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, which ignited his interest in Chinese art and history. 

“Because these things [Balinese, Japanese, Chinese] are interrelated in terms of history, culture, and traditional art, I finally found a basis for creating work. I pour out a combination of these three cultures into creativity in every work I create,” says Cokorda.

Bali's enduring spirit

In the end, what we love best about Cokorda’s art is how it reflects an enduring Balinese spirit. He likens the Balinese to water, which takes on the shape of its container while retaining its essence. Just as Cokorda’s art is a vibrant meshing of Balinese, Japanese, Chinese, and the modern, "Balinese people will always absorb and filter culture so they can adapt it to local Balinese cultural wisdom," shares Cokorda. 

But at the end of it all, he says, “Bali never changes, Bali remains completely Bali.” 

Places in Bali that inspire him most:

His home, Puri Ageng Nyalian

"My own house is a storehouse of inspiration for my creativity. This priceless ancestral heritage reflects the culture, traditions, and greatness of the ancestors of the Balinese. Classical era carvings and sculptures are still preserved in this place and are part of my family's history."

Sanur Beach

"Sanur is a village located on the coast, in the Denpasar area, south Bali. Sanur is a real beauty with strong traditional culture and a favourite place for foreign tourists to enjoy their retirement. Sanur is calm and friendly!"

Kertha Gosa

"Kertha Gosa is a building that functioned as a court during the ancient Klungkung kingdom era. Located in the center of the city of Klungkung, East Bali, this place is very beautiful and full of historical and artistic value. Here, you can find the forerunner of ancient Balinese painting, namely Wayang Kamasan painting, all over the roof of the building. It's a must-visit if you are interested in classical Balinese culture and art."

Bhineka Djaja

"Apart from drawing, I also like coffee. If you go to Bali, you must visit the Bhineka Djaja outlet which is located in the Denpasar City Heritage area. Bhineka Djaja is one of the coffee places with strong historical value – it's not only coffee you'll find at their outlet, but also coffee painting art. Bhineka Djaja has become part of the culture of the community."

His workplace

"My last favourite place is my workplace. I concoct and create in this place, a place that understands me more than anyone else. This place gives me peace and is a motivator."

Buy Cokorda's art prints at gofyart.com/collections/crossfade and explore his illustrations on Instagram. Also, discover more incredible Southeast Asian artists on GOFY's Instagram and website. 

Did you hear? These are the most stunning architectural gems in Asia. 

Plus: How to spend 48 hours in Bali.