Born in 1966, Anak Agung Gde Anom Sukawati or affectionately known as Anom, has been a well-kept secret among Balinese art collectors. Anak Agung Gde Meregeg, his grandfather, was one of the first generation of painters during the Pitamaha era. Anak Agung Gde Raka Pudja, his father, is also a painter who studied under Rudolf Bonnet (1895-1978), a Dutch artist who dedicated much of his life in Bali and for Balinese artists.
Anom decided to dedicate his life into painting after he received his bachelor’s degree in Economics at the advice of his grandfather who saw the talent Anom had. Anom’sstrengths can be witnessed in the movement of the dancers in his paintings to his innovative use of vivid colours in a way that is uniquely Anom. Over the years, his works have become matured with more complex composition, more vibrant in colours. His skill has surpassed those of his grandfather and father. Although he has a specialty in drawing Balinese traditional dance, nevertheless his others paintings regarding tradition and festival, such as: Melasti, Sanghyang Dedari, and Sapu Leger, have been painted with extraordinary endowment. Currently Anom is creating a 5 meter masterpiece of a Melasti Procession that was commissioned by a collector.