In 1989 Iyama first visited Bali when he was 53 years old. He prolonged his stay for 2 months he was attracted to the Balinese culture, life, atmosphere and weather which reminds him of his childhood in Japan.

He lived in Puri Karelan of Periatan Village. Mr. Karelan, the head of Puri Karelan, guided Iyama by providing him with knowledge of Balinese culture and art. He also introduced Iyama to Mr. Agung Rai(Owner of ARMA Museum), Mr. Nyoman Rudana(Owner of Rudana Museum), and Mr. Suteja Neka(Owner of Neka Museum), increasing his connections as a painter in Bali.

In 1992, when Iyama got sick, he introduced to Mr. Tjokorda Rai who was a healer in Singapadu village. He helped him create deeper connections with the people around him.

In 1995 Mr. Tjokorda Rai let Iyama use his land to build his own studio to continue his art.

This studio is an inspiration place for the visitors and brings up questions such as “Saya ada di sini, Siapa saya….”

 (from the flyer of the Exhibition “Saya ada di sini, Siapa Saya……”)

at home studio Iyama in 2012

The work of Iyama is profoundly original in the world of contemporary painting. It cannot be categorized as European, Asian or Japanese.

                                                                                                                                              Jacuqes Mallecot

Iyama’s paintings have that fascinating quality which blends East and West into an enticing into unity.

                                                                                                                                                  Carla Bianpoen

Iyama is not also talented painter but also a cosmic poet.

                                                                                                                                                   Jiro Takamatsu

The main theme of Iyama’s works was Japanese myth when he was young, and now he has reached his brilliant achievement on more themes.

                                                                                                                                                      Akito Sugitani 

Each of Iyama’s works make us feel his own delicacy and restraint, and they are the very things that show his vivid passion for painting.

                                                                                                                                               Shinsuke Shimada

Iyama has emerged in the eye of the public in the hope of sharing his journey of life with the people of Bali.

                                                                                                                                                      Ketut Yuliarsa