Behind the design: a Welcome Reception of all things poleng

Bali’s iconic black and white poleng cloth, wrapped around sacred trees, kecak dancers, pecalang guards, guardian statues, is everywhere.

The stark contrast of black and white is a representation of opposites, symbolic of the Rwa Bhinedha philosophy. White is representative of good, light, positivity; black is representative of bad, dark, negativity. However, this is not a visualisation of “Good versus Evil”. The Rwa Bhinedha philosophy outlines that opposites must co-exist for there to be balance in the universe. This is mutual dualism. For there to be night, there must be day; for there to be happiness, there must be sadness; for there to be good, there must also be evil. It is not the goal for one side to conquer the other, they must exist simultaneously for there to be harmony. - Edward Speirs

A fitting theme as a first taste of Bali for people newly arrived on the island, a welcome reception steeped in this cornerstone of Bali and a nod to the dark lava stone and sands handed down by Bali’s volcanos, the shadows and light of wayang puppetry, and the stark silhouettes of temples at dusk and dawn. A restrained monochromatic design before Bali’s overwhelmingly colorful palette dominates their memories. We designed with the need for decor to be architectural, large scale, and geometric.

Guests were first greeted by twin Balinese guardian stone statues (crafted from paper maché) and rows of coconut trees wrapped in poleng cloth before emerging onto a lawn centered around the iconic split gates (candi bentar). Handmade by Ubud artisans, the gate to Bali was a perfect addition to the Kempinksi location.

After the gates and leaning into Bali’s geometric design and lamak making technqiue (lamak are narrow, elongated mats woven from leaves), guests encountered a black and white photo backdrop. The backdrop featured the ‘boma’ guardian heads at the top: the boma is a fierce, protective mythological figure in Balinese Hinduism, depicted as a fearsome face or demon head above doorways and gates to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune, symbolizing protection and balance. 

Throughout the evening, guests could watch an homage to Balinese shadow puppet, a decor installation that was interactive for kids or adults interested in learning more about the art form.

Florals included pops of red (lava!) with anthuriums, black grapes, and red amaranth, incorporating lava rock and dark taper candles. on tables with smoke and midnight tablecloths and poleng runners.

Activations including live weaving of poleng cloth on traditional looms, an incense bar, tridatu blessing bracelets, and a game corner for kids featuring Balinese Snakes and Ladders.