Photographer captures 'some people' in his work<\/p>\n
Susi Andrini, Contributor, Ubud, Bali<\/p>\n
After living on his dream island for more than 20 years, the
\naccomplished photographer Rio Helmi feels the need to display his
\nwork, capturing numerous prominent figures whom, he thought,
\nmade a great contribution to shaping the present-day Bali and its
\nsociety.<\/p>\n
Running until Jan. 18 at Chedi hotel in Ubud, Rio is
\nexhibiting selected portraits of 25 outstanding figures, both
\nlocal and expatriate, who have dedicated their lives and talent
\nhere in Bali.<\/p>\n
The exhibition, titled Some People, includes the photographs
\nof Ibu Gedong Oka, a famous spiritual figure who is active in
\npromoting the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The caption reads, "A
\nclear heart, a clear conscience, a cool head, regular
\ncommunication with God, abstention from carnal food and pleasure,
\nno alcohol, smoking or condiments. A strict vegetarian diet and
\nlove for all my fellow men."<\/p>\n
The photographer found the island had drastically changed,
\nalmost out of control.<\/p>\n
"For me, the persons in my photographs are those who have
\ncontributed significantly to changes in both mental and physical
\nterms," he said during the opening of the exhibition.<\/p>\n
"To me, those pictures are very private."<\/p>\n
In capturing his desired figures, he preferred to use black-
\nand-white.<\/p>\n
"Black-and-white portrays people as they are. It's honest and
\nstrong enough to reveal people's character and personality," the
\nphotographer explained.<\/p>\n
Another work portrayed Merta Ada, a spiritual figure who is
\nfamous for teaching meditation, known as "Bali Usada Meditation".
\nA devout Buddhist, Merta Ada posed with a Buddha statue.<\/p>\n
The picture really captures Merta Ada's religiosity. The
\npictures of Pedanda (high priest) Subali and noted psychiatrist
\nNi Luh Ketut Suryani were among Rio's outstanding works.<\/p>\n
In addition to spiritual leaders, Rio also portrayed several
\nfamous persons, like the multi-talented Dr. AA. Made Djelantik, a
\nmedical doctor, artist and writer, as well as painter. In the
\npicture, he captured Djelantik in his leisure time. Wearing
\nshorts, Djelantik holds his beloved violin in front of his
\nmemorable painting, which he created during his stay in Buru
\nisland.<\/p>\n
Painter Made Wianta is shot wearing a weird suit and a tie
\nwithout a shirt.<\/p>\n
Rio also took pictures of several other artists, like Suteja
\nNeka, owner of Museum Neka and Agung Rai and his wife.<\/p>\n
His picture of Abu Bakar, one of Bali's contemporary theater
\nfigures, is convincing. "I found it hard to take Abu Bakar's
\npicture because he's so low-profile," Rio remembered. Abu Bakar
\nand his theater group Poliklinik transformed local theater into a
\ncontemporary art form.<\/p>\n
Rio also captured the lives of several expatriates who lived
\nin Bali for quite a long time. Rio took pictures of Linda
\nGarland, a bamboo artist, Arie Smit and art critic Jean Couteau.<\/p>\n
One more interesting picture is that of sexologist Wimpie
\nPangkahila. He is portrayed sitting on a table beside sculptures
\nof male genitals and other sex objects. In addition to his black-
\nand-white collections, Rio has also displayed color photographs
\nshowing his extensive overseas journeys to China, India, Brunei
\nDarussalam and elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Born in Switzerland to a Turkish mother and Indonesian father,
\nRio feels his heart is in Bali. He has been staying and working
\nin the artists' village of Ubud since l978. Rio, who had
\npreviously dreamed of becoming a painter, said he hoped his
\nexhibition could benefit others.<\/p>\n
An expatriate living in Legian was happy to see all of the
\ndisplayed photographs. "I've lived here for several years but I
\nknew only a few. The photographs are a reminder that there are
\nmany good people around us," the visitor said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/photographer-captures-some-people-in-his-work-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}