A world full of imagery for Williaume

BANDUNG (JP): French photogapher Alain Williaume invites the viewer of his works into an uncommon world full of surprises, some of them startling in their intensity.

The internationally recognized Williaume, whose photos are currently on display at the French Cultural Center in Bandung, uses imagery to construct and introduce common images which are then made uncommon by him capturing them in unique moments of time and space.

His works, most of them made during time spent in Europe and India, give a new, unusual, some would say disturbing perspective on everyday objects and sights. They are no simple snapshots of travel spots he has visited, no soft-focus treatments meant to be given the once-over.

Instead, the viewer is treated to carefully constructed images which are intended be looked at once, twice and then a third time to decipher the meaning.

For instance, there is a road sign that you would not usually look twice at but that has suddenly taken on an ominous tone in its stark setting, an arrow seemingly pointing off into a dangerous yonder.

A row of what appears to be boulders or sacks forms a strange puzzle, and take on new meaning against the barren landscape behind it. As with the aforementioned work, the lack of a human figure -- the anchor for many viewers in putting an image in perspective -- is particularly interesting. One tends to believe that his choice of images and places far off the beaten path, perhaps where most people fear to tread, was cleverly deliberate.

Williaume's imagery is mysterious, jolting but unforgettable in its uniqueness. It is a rare treat for photograph enthusiasts in the West Java capital and the country, where the fine arts so often take precedence over photography or the only pictures which are considered worthy of publication are the "hot" photos of riots and bloodshed or portraits of pretty women.

Williaume's works are refreshingly different. They are stimulating, thought-provoking and worthy of a look. And chances are you will never look at the ordinary and the seemingly benign in the same way again. (Aendra H. Medita)

Fifty of Alain Williaume's works are at CCF Bandung, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (tel. 022-421-2417) until July 12.