At Jia Curated 2025, The Balvenie partnered with Indonesian artist Lianggono of Studio Lianggono to present Wang Sinawang, a meditative installation that explored the quiet beauty of craft and time and inspired by The Balvenie’s own traditions of Home Grown Barley and the Malting Floor, two of its Five Rare Crafts. Held at Bali Festival Park from 14 to 18 August, the experience invited guests to slow down and reflect on the process behind making—whether it be whisky or art.
The Balvenie, known for its commitment to traditional whisky-making, remains the only distillery in Scotland that continues to practice all Five Rare Crafts: Home Grown Barley, the Malting Floor, Copper Stills, Cooperage, and the guidance of the Malt Master. Every bottle reflects the care, patience, and skill of the people behind it. This dedication to handwork and heritage shaped The Makers Project, a global initiative that celebrates makers who bring depth and character to their craft. In Bali, the project took on a local voice through Lianggono’s installation, which was inspired by The Balvenie’s own traditions and the Javanese concept of Wang Sinawang—an invitation to observe, wait, and wonder.
Inside the space, guests encountered natural textures, layered visuals, and rhythmic soundscapes. The environment echoed the slow, deliberate steps of whisky making and the thoughtful repetition found in traditional Indonesian craft. Lianggono described the work as a reflection of presence and process: “Like whisky, like memory—some things are shaped not by speed, but by presence. It’s the waiting that teaches us to see.”
The exhibition also featured live performances and curated whisky tastings, offering a sensory journey through culture and craftsmanship. On 13 August, The Balvenie hosted an intimate dinner to mark the unveiling, with a Nusantara-inspired menu by Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa of Kaum Restaurant. Each dish was paired with a selection of The Balvenie’s single malts, introduced by Jyri Pylkkänen, Regional Malts Brand Ambassador for Southeast Asia.
Speaking about the collaboration, Pylkkänen shared that The Balvenie seeks out makers who share its values—those who create with intention and care. Studio Lianggono’s approach aligned seamlessly, bringing a deeply human perspective to the project. Through Wang Sinawang, The Balvenie offered more than a glimpse into whisky—it opened a space for reflection, inviting guests to reconnect with the value of patience, presence, and the hands that shape what we hold dear.
