In the fast-paced world of contemporary art, few artists are rooted deeply enough to carry ancient wisdom into the present — and even fewer manage to do it without losing relevance. Cyx Daeng, a rising star from Bali, is one of those rare voices. His work isn’t just influenced by tradition — it embodies it. At the core of his creative vision is an age-old Balinese philosophy known as Tri Hita Karana, a concept that continues to shape both his art and his way of life.
But what is Tri Hita Karana? And how does it come alive in Cyx’s intricate, symbol-rich paintings?
What Is Tri Hita Karana?
Tri Hita Karana is a cornerstone of Balinese culture, guiding how individuals live, relate, and create. Translating roughly to “three causes of well-being,” it represents harmony between:
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Humans and Other Humans (Pawongan)
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Humans and Nature (Palemahan)
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Humans and the Divine (Parahyangan)
This triadic philosophy influences not only religious rituals and social customs but also architecture, agriculture, and — as Cyx Daeng shows us — visual art.
For Cyx, painting becomes more than an aesthetic pursuit. It’s an act of spiritual alignment. It’s a way of restoring balance between the inner and outer world, reconnecting with ancestral values, and offering visual prayers through brush and pigment.
Harmony in Form: How the Philosophy Shapes Cyx’s Compositions
Cyx’s compositions reflect this philosophy in both structure and symbolism.
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Balance and Symmetry: Many of his works feature symmetrical or circular elements that reflect equilibrium between different realms of life. Nothing feels random — every form is placed with a kind of sacred logic.
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Layered Depth: His paintings often contain multiple visual planes, each representing a different aspect of the human experience. One layer might suggest earthly connection (plants, animals, family), while another evokes the spiritual or cosmic.
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Use of Natural Imagery: From rice fields to cloud formations to sacred animals like rabbits and dragons, nature plays a central role in his work — not as background, but as active participant.
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Ritual Symbolism: Temple architecture, ceremonial masks, and offering shapes appear frequently, reinforcing the connection between humanity and the divine.
Each painting becomes a meditation on interdependence — a visual reminder that we are never separate from nature, spirit, or one another.
More Than Decoration: The Spiritual Purpose of His Art
Cyx doesn’t paint to impress — he paints to express something essential. While his work is undeniably beautiful, the deeper intention is to heal, protect, and awaken. His paintings function as spiritual instruments, much like temple carvings or sacred cloth.
Some collectors have described feeling a calming energy or sense of grounding from his work — an emotional resonance that goes beyond technique.
“I believe art can restore what we’ve forgotten,” Cyx once explained. “Not just beauty, but balance.”
In this way, Cyx’s paintings become not just visual experiences, but spiritual offerings.
A Rare Approach in Contemporary Art
While much of today’s contemporary art world is driven by irony, detachment, or social commentary, Cyx Daeng is doing something radically different — he is bringing reverence back into the creative process.
That doesn't mean his work is stuck in the past. On the contrary, Cyx’s paintings are fresh, relevant, and stylistically innovative. But they are rooted in a system of values that’s thousands of years old — and urgently needed now more than ever.
In a world dominated by noise, Cyx’s art offers quiet clarity.
Why This Matters to Collectors
For art collectors and interior designers alike, owning a Cyx Daeng original means more than owning a beautiful object — it means bringing a piece of cultural continuity and spiritual energy into your space.
Whether it’s a symbolic rabbit family or a dragon surrounded by protective clouds, each piece is infused with intention. The energy in the work is not performative. It’s lived. It’s felt. And it’s increasingly rare.
As interest in Southeast Asian art grows and collectors search for works with soul and story, Cyx’s paintings stand out as both timeless and timely.
Final Thoughts: Art That Restores
Tri Hita Karana isn’t just a concept Cyx Daeng references — it’s the foundation of his worldview. And through his paintings, this ancient philosophy finds new expression in a global language of form, color, and feeling.
In an age of disconnection, his art invites us back into relationship — with each other, with the planet, and with something greater than ourselves.