AN
ARTIST BEWEEN CULTURES
Since more than twenty years Peter Dittmar has been wrapped up in this
process of intercultural translation and moves continually between three
continents. He lives in Sydney, in Munich, his place of birth where
stays have become rare and in his studio in Bali, his artistic refuge
for some 23 years now. In terms of 'postcolonial studies' hybrid identity
develops when once separate spheres of influence overlay and mix. 'Early
education, the influence of the tropics, the power of meditation and
Balinese spirituality forms a mixture of Eastern and Western influence',
as Peter Dittmar himself describes it.
Dr.
Elisabeth Wagner, art historian, Humboldt University, Berlin
There
are not many people who are ready to engage in such a daring adventure
which includes the entire person and can have unforeseen effects. But
these are the people who are shaping Culture. Peter Dittmar is one of
them.
In 1982 he came to Indonesia and Bali for the first time, invited by
myself
from the GOETHE INSTITUT Jakarta to organise a German Cultural Week
and to teach at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Since then he has remained captivated by this wonderful country, especially
the fascination of Bali.
He finally built his studio in Ubud and could more often be found there
than
in Germany.
I am happy to have been able to watch this enduring encounter since
it's
beginning.
Peter Dittmar's paintings, presented by Indonesian, Asian, Australian,
and
European private collections, galleries and museums, show the strong
influences which gradually changed his work.
This artist and his work and both their developments during these 23
years
are for me like a metaphore for our world in which different cultures
have to open up to each other and in which we urgently need such sensitive
and daring artists.
Dr. Hans Georg Knopp, Secretary General of Goethe Institute
What'S
UP
PETER
DITTMAR
