Artwork
Bali

Bali is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1964, “Bali” is an image attributed to the artist known as Carven and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work consists of a loose, sketch‑like drawing that records three figures in simple black dresses, rendered with quick, gestural lines and occasional splashes of vivid colour.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features two central figures standing side by side, arms extended outward, each marked by a bright paint blot on the chest—one in orange‑yellow tones, the other in green. A third, smaller figure appears as a faint outline on the right, suggesting a peripheral presence or perhaps an unfinished element within the scene.
Technique & Style
Carven employs a minimalist approach, using sparse, sketchy lines to suggest form rather than detail. The black dresses provide a stark backdrop for the isolated colour accents, which draw the eye to the torso areas. The overall effect is that of a rapid visual note, emphasizing gesture and colour over finished rendering.
History & Provenance
The image, dated circa 1964, entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. The artist’s signature appears as the word “Bali” in the corner, leaving open whether it denotes a place, a title, or a personal identifier. No further documentation on acquisition or exhibition history is presently recorded.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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