THE VISUAL METAPHOR OF WATER IN FLAT AND SPATIAL MOTION ARTISTRY IN THE CREATION OF ANIMATED FILMS TOYANING MAHAGUNA

I Kadek Adi Putra  Wijaya; I Gede Mugi  Raharja; I Nyoman  Suardina; I Made Bayu  Pramana

doi:10.53067/ijomral.v5i2.422

Authors

I Kadek Adi Putra Wijaya Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali
I Gede Mugi Raharja Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali
I Nyoman Suardina Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali
I Made Bayu Pramana Indonesian Institute of the Arts Bali

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53067/ijomral.v5i2.422

Keywords:

Artistics, Plane and Spatial Movement, Animated Films, Toyaning Mahaguna

Abstract

Water constitutes a fundamental element of the universe and functions as a primary source of life for all living beings on Earth. In Hindu cosmology, Bhuana Alit (the microcosm of the world) is composed of five essential elements Pertiwi (earth), Apah (water), Teja (fire), Bayu (air), and Akasa (ether) that together structure both the physical environment and human existence. Among these elements, water occupies a particularly vital position, as it is directly perceivable through the human senses and indispensable for biological, social, and spiritual continuity. In Gianyar Regency, especially within the Traditional Village of Tegallalang, natural springs represent not only essential ecological resources but also sacred cultural sites that sustain community life. This research employs a qualitative methodology with an ethnographic approach to examine the animated film Toyaning Maha Guna as a cultural narrative that articulates the significance of water through historical, mythological, and folkloric perspectives. The study integrates observations on water utilization, environmental conditions, and spiritual values embedded in local traditions. Structurally, the film adopts the temporal framework of Tri Semaya Kala, particularly emphasizing Atita (the past) in its opening sequence. This segment portrays the descent of the Trimurti Brahma, Vishnu, and Iswara to rescue the Earth from destruction, symbolizing divine intervention as a response to ecological imbalance. From a Hindu philosophical perspective, the visualization and narrative construct water not merely as a physical resource but as a sacred medium of purification, regeneration, and cosmic harmony. The voluntary descent of the gods signifies an ethical model of responsibility and care toward nature, projecting an ideal relationship between humanity, divinity, and the environment. Through this narrative strategy, Toyaning Maha Guna functions as both an aesthetic expression and an environmental discourse, reinforcing the moral imperative to preserve water sources as the foundation of life, civilization, and spiritual well-being.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adam, B. (1998). Timescapes of modernity: The environment and invisible hazards. London: Routledge.

Ardika, I. W. (2015). Sejarah Bali dari Prasejarah hingga Modern. Denpasar: Udayana University Press.

Arnheim, R. (1974). Art and visual perception: A psychology of the creative eye (Rev. ed.). Berkeley: University of California Press.

Barthes, R. (1977). Image, music, text (S. Heath, Trans.). London: Fontana Press.

Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2013). Film Art: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Eliade, M. (1963). Myth and reality (W. R. Trask, Trans.). New York: Harper & Row.

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2011). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. New York: Basic Books.

Kaelan. (2012). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif Interdisipliner. Yogyakarta: Paradigma.

Kartodirdjo, S. (1992). Pendekatan Ilmu Sosial dalam Metodologi Sejarah. Jakarta: Gramedia.

Kerlow, I. V. (2009). The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects. Hoboken: Wiley.

Lansing, J. S. (2006). Perfect Order: Recognizing Complexity in Bali. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Leopold, A. (1949). A sand county almanac and sketches here and there. New York: Oxford University Press.

Mahastuti, N. M. M. (2018). Warisan Budaya Dunia Kontekstual Daerah Aliran Sungai Pakerisan Melawan Keberlanjutan Budaya Bali. Jurnal Warisan Budaya.

Parent, R. (2012). Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann.

Parent, R. (2012). Computer animation: Algorithms and techniques (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.

Pendit, N. S. (2019). Strategi Promosi Melalui Media Desain Poster Dalam Pencitraan Publik. Jurnal Desain Komunikasi Visual.

Pratista, H. (2017). Memahami Film. Yogyakarta: Montase Press.

Putera, G. N. K., Handoko, H., Dharmawan, I. G. A., Sana, I. N. L., & Gunada, I. W. A. (2025). The concept of Tri Guna in strengthening character education based on Hindu sacred teachings in the modernization era. Jurnal Penelitian Agama Hindu, 9(3), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.37329/jpah.v9i3.4226

Raharja, I. G. M. (2022). Taman air tradisional Bali dalam narasi keberlanjutan menuju Antroposen. Prosiding Bali Dwipantara Waskita: Seminar Nasional Republik Seni Nusantara, 2(1), 15–29.

Raharja, I. G. N. (2022). Traditional Balinese water gardens in the narrative of sustainability toward the Anthropocene. In Prosiding Waskita, Bali Dwipantara. Denpasar: Institut Seni Indonesia Denpasar.

Sumber daring: https://eproceeding.isi-dps.ac.id/index.php/bdw/article/view/332

Ricoeur, P. (1984). Time and narrative (Vol. 1) (K. McLaughlin & D. Pellauer, Trans.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Read, H. (1958). The Meaning of Art. London: Faber & Faber.

Suamba, I. B. P. (2003). Dasar-Dasar Filsafat Hindu. Denpasar: Widya Dharma.

Titib, I. M. (2003). Teologi & Simbol-Simbol dalam Agama Hindu. Surabaya: Paramita.

Thomas, F., & Johnston, O. (1981). The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation. New York: Disney Editions.

UNESCO. (2017). Education for sustainable development goals: Learning objectives. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.

Wells, P. (1998). Understanding Animation. London: Routledge.

Wibowo, G., Mujirah, G., & Santiawan, I. N. (2021). Pengaruh ajaran Tri Guna dalam meningkatkan budhi pekerti anak di TK Sari Mekar Banguntapan Bantul Yogyakarta. Jawa Dwipa, 2(1), 34–49. https://doi.org/10.54714/jd.v2i1.36

Williams, R. (2001). The Animator’s Survival Kit. London: Faber & Faber.