The Bali tiger, locally known as samong (ᬲᬫᭀᬂ), was one of the populations of Panthera tigris sondaica on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It was characterized as the smallest tiger in the Sunda Islands. Its survival was imperiled by relentless habitat loss, rampant hunting, and escalating human-wildlife conflicts. Tragically, the final documented sighting of a Bali tiger dates back to the 1930s, marking its grim declaration of extinction in the 1940s.
Historically, the Bali tiger likely played a role in Balinese mythology and folklore, although specific stories and legends may vary. Tigers were often associated with spiritual and mystical qualities, and they may have been depicted in traditional Balinese art, dance, and literature.
These illustrations are inspired by my mother's captivating tale of her camping expedition in the late 1970s. As part of a school Girl Scout program, she ventured to West Bali National Park. One night, she and her friends were awestruck as they witnessed the surreal sight of a tiger's figure seemingly levitating in front of them.
The artworks combine the portraits of the tigers in their corporeal and spiritual form with Balinese ornaments known as prada style, drawn digitally with a style of linocut print in two colors.
THE PREDATOR
THE OFFSPRING
THE EXTINCTION
THE LOST SOUL
THE APPARITION
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