Zǐ yuē: “wú shí yǒu wǔ ér zhì yú xué, sānshí érlì, sìshí ér bù huò, wǔshí ér zhī tiān mìng, liùshí ér ěr shùn, qīshí ér cóng xīn suǒ yù bù yú jǔ”

"The master said: “At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right"
(Confucius, 1893, p. 162, Book 2, 4).
Confucius: “at 40, I was free of perplexities”
The man that is becoming wiser, free from anxiety and fear
and the dragon symbolizes the strength, courage, great power, and good luck.

Most of Upadana recent works are commenting on social issues affecting contemporary Balinese life. These pieces captures the various societal problems arising from the dualism of maintaining cultural and religious traditions alongside the development of the tourism industry. For nearly a century, Balinese rituals have been part of tourist attractions, generating significant foreign exchange and becoming the main economic driver. Traditional values, sacred rituals, and myths about Bali's nature and culture are increasingly shrouded in the mist of tourism and economic demands.

Upadana argues that the repetitive nature of traditional rituals in Bali does not enhance the depth or meaning of people's lives. He observes that society's cultural patterns are becoming more pragmatic and utopian, losing their substantive values. The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted Bali's economy due to global travel restrictions, revealing the vulnerabilities of heavy reliance on international tourism and causing substantial damage to the foundations of community life.

Upadana's criticism, often cynical yet humorous, is presented through captivating artistic exploration.

His works are mostly commenting on social issues affecting contemporary Balinese life. These pieces captures the various societal problems arising from the dualism of maintaining cultural and religious traditions alongside the development of the tourism industry. For nearly a century, Balinese rituals have been part of tourist attractions, generating significant foreign exchange and becoming the main economic driver. Traditional values, sacred rituals, and myths about Bali's nature and culture are increasingly shrouded in the mist of tourism and economic demands.

Upadana argues that the repetitive nature of traditional rituals in Bali does not enhance the depth or meaning of people's lives. He observes that society's cultural patterns are becoming more pragmatic and utopian, losing their substantive values. The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted Bali's economy due to global travel restrictions, revealing the vulnerabilities of heavy reliance on international tourism and causing substantial damage to the foundations of community life.

Upadana's criticism, often cynical yet humorous, is presented through captivating artistic exploration.