Barong N°1

100 x 100 x 5cm Acrylic paint on Canvas 2021
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This painting presents Barong as a powerful symbolic guardian, embodying protection, balance, and the enduring force of myth.
Luca Ruffinengo

Full Description

This Barong is the first painting in my Barong series, inspired by the Balinese mythological figure known as the protector spirit and guardian of good. In Balinese culture, Barong represents the force of light, balance, and protection, standing in opposition to negative energies and chaos. He is often seen as a sacred lion-like creature, deeply connected to ritual, spirituality, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

In this painting, I wanted to capture Barong not as a literal depiction, but as a powerful symbolic presence. The layered ornamentation, bold color, and intricate detail give the figure a ceremonial energy, while the composition emphasizes both strength and complexity. The work reflects the idea of divine protection, cultural memory, and the vitality of myth in contemporary visual language.

As the first work in the series, Barong sets the tone for a broader exploration of spiritual guardianship, transformation, and the enduring power of symbolic forms.

About

Luca

Artistic Approach
My work explores the space between control and intuition. I’m drawn to contrasts - structure and chaos, clarity and abstraction - and I use them to create pieces that invite interpretation rather than dictate it. Color plays a central role in my practice, often used boldly and in layered compositions to evoke emotion and depth. Each work is less about a fixed message and more about opening a dialogue between the viewer and the image.
Background & Perspective
I move fluidly between art and design, which strongly shapes how I think and create. While my artistic work is driven by expression and emotion, my background in design sharpens my sense for composition, balance, and intention. This dual perspective allows me to approach each piece with both freedom and precision.
Original Works & Prints
All artworks originate from my own practice and are carefully translated into high-quality prints to make them accessible beyond the original piece. Whether original or print, each work is created with the same attention to detail and respect for material, aiming to bring a distinct atmosphere into the spaces they inhabit.

About

Luca

Design Philosophy
My approach to design is rooted in clarity, intention, and purpose. I see design as a way of transforming ideas into tangible solutions - where form, function, and meaning are carefully aligned. Each object is shaped not only by aesthetics, but by how it is experienced and used.
Process & Perspective
Coming from an artistic background, I bring an intuitive and exploratory mindset into my design process. I often begin with open-ended experimentation, then refine ideas through structure and precision. This balance allows me to create designs that feel both thoughtful and distinctive.
Objects & Experience
I create objects that aim to integrate naturally into their environment while still carrying a subtle, defining presence. Materials, proportions, and details are considered carefully to achieve a sense of coherence and longevity - designs that are not only functional, but quietly expressive.

Contact

Should you have any enquiries or wish to arrange an appointment, please get in touch.
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