Dissemination of Balinese Script Religiosity in Balinese Calligraphy: Semiotic Studies

Abstract

Balinese calligraphy was born in the middle of the strong issue about Balinese language marginality. Although, the art of writing Balinese script beautifully has been found since Ancient Bali period, a special awareness of writing Balinese calligraphy appeared since 2013, when Balinese language subjects would be replaced with cultural and arts. Since its appearance, Balinese calligraphy does not only contain profane themes, but is also loaded with religious values. Thus, indirectly Balinese calligraphy actually disseminates the dimension of religiosity in Balinese script. This dimension of religiosity is important to be studied more deeply to reveal the spiritual messages written by calligraphers. This study examined the religiosity of Balinese calligraphy with data sources derived from the collections of the Gunarsa Museum, the Center for Lontar Studies of Udayana University, Cultural Office of Denpasar, and the Indonesian Hindu University. The data were collected by using listening methods and were analyzed by using semiotic theory and phonology. Starting from this theory, the religiosity of Balinese script in Balinese calligraphy is revealed and presented by informal methods or using ordinary words. Based on the studies conducted, it can be revealed that the dissemination of Balinese script religiosity in Balinese script calligraphy is manifested in the form of calligraphy which is taken from sacred characters and mantras. This finding strengthens the superiority of Balinese calligraphy in the world of creative industries.