Ecological Balance in the Symbolism of Balinese Hindu Mythology on the Bali Arts Festival Posters

Abstract

Despite being grounded in the ecological philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, modern Bali faces the paradox of an acute ecological crisis resulting from mass tourism, land conversion, and a water crisis. This condition creates an urgency to revitalize local wisdom. This research aims to analyze how the Bali Arts Festival (PKB) posters, as the festival's main visual communication medium, use symbolism from Balinese Hindu mythology to communicate messages and values of ecological balance. Using a visual semiotics approach and iconographic analysis, this study examines recent PKB posters as visual texts. The results show that the selection of mythological iconography is a deliberate semiotic act to translate the vision of Nangun Sad Kerthi Loka Bali. Key figures analyzed include the Kalpataru Tree (PKB 2021) as a representation of Wana Kerthi (purification of forests), Naga Basuki (PKB 2022) as the guardian of the hydrosphere symbolizing Danu Kerthi (purification of water), and Gajah Mina (PKB 2023) as a metaphor for ridge-to-reef ecosystem interconnection representing Segara Kerthi (purification of the seas). This study concludes that PKB posters have transformed into a "visual dharma wacana" (visual sermon/discourse) capable of "bypassing textual literacy". This medium effectively educates the public intuitively about the sacredness of nature and functions as a vital bridge between government policy, sublime philosophy, and public ecological awareness