I Gusti Nyoman Lempad is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Balinese art. Born in Ubud, he was trained by his father, I Gusti Ketut Mayukan, an undagi or master builder whose work encompassed architecture, sculpture, and painting. This early immersion in temple construction and Balinese Hindu traditions shaped Lempad's profound understanding of the island's artistic and spiritual heritage. Although he was accomplished in several disciplines, he became best known for his refined ink drawings, where fluid, expressive lines transformed mythology, folklore, and everyday life into remarkably elegant compositions.

Lempad's works are distinguished by their economy of line and exceptional sense of movement. Drawing inspiration from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Balinese folklore, he infused traditional narratives with wit, subtle sensuality, and a distinctly human character. His encounter with the German artist Walter Spies in the 1920s further expanded his artistic vocabulary, encouraging a greater emphasis on anatomy and natural movement while preserving the essence of Balinese aesthetics. In 1936, Lempad became one of the founding members of Pita Maha, the influential artists' association that helped introduce Balinese art to an international audience and shaped the course of modern Balinese painting. Today, his works are held in major museum collections and remain enduring symbols of Bali's artistic and cultural identity.