This notion of “Ripple” aligns closely with Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of the rhizome, a subterranean network that perpetually establishes novel connections in divergent directions. Much like the ripple effect, growth within the rhizome framework does not occur in a linear fashion; it spreads outward, overlapping and interacting with various elements in its environment. The creative process, therefore, is not linear but rather a complex network of influence, inspiration, and interaction, constantly evolving and shaping itself. Whether the influences are internal or external, the process is characterized by dynamism and multifacetedness, echoing the ever-changing and interconnected identities of the artists in this exhibition.

The process can also be seen as the maturation of an artist’s aesthetic judgments, as observed early on within the context of Balinese traditional life. Art, in its role as devotion, requires observation, mental recording, and often involves the act of creation as a routine. In its normative role in society, a sculptor may become proficient in the making of offerings, or a painter may take on the role of a gamelan musician. Furthermore, many artists have observed family members creating paintings or sculptures from a young age. However, as an artist matures, their encounters expand beyond the traditional functions of art, allowing for continual negotiation and consistent self-refinement in other ways.