Megapapan: A Highlight of Artistry.Bali’s Artisan Fair at Ubud’s SIKA Gallery

The rise of digital illustrators is a burgeoning phenomenon in the contemporary art and creative spheres of Bali and Indonesia. This was especially emphasised during the COVID pandemic when the global physical art infrastructure shut down and the virtual world flourished.

Illustration is a powerful visual design language which distinguishes itself from fine art by serving a different purpose. Illustration tells a story with clarity and often great beauty. Fine art communicates a narrative, explores ideas and meaning, provoking personal reflection and deeper thought.

The fabulous, witty illustrations by Megapapan recently caught my eye at Artistry.Bali, a pop-up celebration of local artisans at SIKA Gallery, Sanggingan, Ubud, from 13 May until 13 June 2026. As a cat lover, I have a finely tuned radar for images of our feline friends. While enjoying an array of excellent artisan products from emerging brands on display during the fair opening, a comical cat piece by Megapapan put a radiant smile on my dial.

"Megagapan started a year ago, stemming from our love of collecting cute memorabilia from visiting other countries—and of course, our love for Bali and especially Ubud," Aldilla told NOWBali Magazine. "Our vision is to celebrate the uniqueness of Bali through playful art and storytelling. While our mission is dedicated to creating good-humoured and relatable Bali-inspired artworks and quirky souvenirs that make people smile, feel nostalgic, and wish to carry a piece of Bali with them wherever they go."

With an Advanced Diploma in Digital Media Design from LaSalle College International Surabaya, Aldilla manages production, finances, consignment to shops, and design. Krishna is the chief illustrator. Their working synergy has enabled Megapapan to have a very productive past twelve months. 

“During my studies in Visual Communication Design (DKV), I learned an alternative perspective from my previous experiences,” said Krishna, who was born in the village of Keramas, Gianyar, in 1987. “Growing up in Bali accustomed me to creating intricate details and elements, yet I came to understand that a work doesn't always have to be grand and full of detail—sometimes a message can be conveyed more powerfully through a less-is-more approach. The combination of these two experiences has shaped the way I work today.”

Megapapan products include wearable, colourful metallic badges offering light-hearted and nostalgic takes on Balinese life, an array of potent design illustrations highlighting cultural decorative motifs, fridge magnets, stickers and other meme-inspired pictures featuring our four-legged friends.

“I love animals and own cats and dogs. As a child, I enjoyed reading storybooks and fairy tales, which led me to imagine strange and magical creatures,” Aldilla adds, while offering advice to emerging illustrators. “From our experience of working in the creative field for dozens of years, create images that you really like, don't overthink the process, and finish your work!”

Artistry.Bali showcased 13 locally based brands offering jewellery, leatherwork and handbags, greeting cards, illustrations, fashion, hand-rolled fabrics, assorted crafts, and ceramics. According to Made Aji Aswino, co-founder of Artistry.Bali, and son of the late Balinese modern art maverick Wayan Sika (1949-2020), the idea for Artistry.Bali emerged in 2023, reflecting on post-pandemic observations with the other co-founder, Deni. Of significance was the increasing number of new brands creating a variety of compelling products in Bali and Indonesia.

For more information, visit @megagapan and @artistry.bali on Instagram.