The Antonio Blanco Museum is not just an art gallery but a true palace, which the artist himself called *Campuhan Palace*. He began constructing it in 1998, drawing inspiration from the architecture of Balinese temples and Spanish opulence. Unfortunately, Blanco did not live to see the project completed, but his family—his wife Ni Ronji and children—fulfilled his dream.
Antonio Blanco (1912–1999) was one of the most vibrant and unconventional artists ever to live in Bali. Born in the Philippines to Spanish emigrant parents, he developed a passion for art from a young age, studied in the U.S., traveled the world, and ultimately found his paradise in Ubud. In 1952, he moved to Bali and fell forever in love with its culture, nature, and women, who became the primary muses of his work.
Blanco was called the "Balinese Gauguin" for his love of exoticism and sensual imagery. His style was a fusion of European romanticism, Balinese mythology, and his own imagination. He painted portraits, often depicting women in a manner reminiscent of Renoir and Gustav Klimt, but with a distinct Balinese flair.
The museum building resembles a castle from Eastern epics: intricately carved doors, lush gardens, spiral staircases, and an observation deck overlooking the Campuhan River valley. Inside, hundreds of Blanco’s paintings, sketches, and poems are displayed, along with his personal belongings.
The central theme of Blanco’s work was feminine beauty. His paintings frequently portrayed Balinese women in semi-nude forms, yet without vulgarity—rather, as goddesses or nymphs. He loved playing with shapes, using gold and silver tones, and sometimes even mixing precious metal powders into his paints.
Among his most famous works are:
- Bali Dancers: Dancers captured in dynamic poses, as if suspended between reality and myth.
- The Moon of Bali: A mystical depiction of a woman as a symbol of the lunar goddess.
- Portrait of Ni Ronji: A portrait of his wife, a Balinese dancer who became his eternal muse.
In addition to paintings, the museum houses his erotic poetry and autobiographical notes, which reveal his philosophy: "Art is passion, and passion is life." Today, the museum remains privately owned but is open to visitors. It hosts exhibitions, literary evenings, and even painting workshops.
After the artist’s death in 1999, his family continued to develop the museum. His son, Mario Blanco, is also an artist, and his works can be seen in a separate hall. His wife, Ni Ronji, personally welcomed guests until her passing in the 2010s, sharing stories about her husband. Be sure to climb up to the tower, where Blanco’s studio is located, and visit the garden with peacocks—they seem to have stepped right out of his paintings.
