Photographer captures 'some people' in his work

Photographer captures 'some people' in his work

Susi Andrini, Contributor, Ubud, Bali

After living on his dream island for more than 20 years, the
accomplished photographer Rio Helmi feels the need to display his
work, capturing numerous prominent figures whom, he thought,
made a great contribution to shaping the present-day Bali and its
society.

Running until Jan. 18 at Chedi hotel in Ubud, Rio is
exhibiting selected portraits of 25 outstanding figures, both
local and expatriate, who have dedicated their lives and talent
here in Bali.

The exhibition, titled Some People, includes the photographs
of Ibu Gedong Oka, a famous spiritual figure who is active in
promoting the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The caption reads, "A
clear heart, a clear conscience, a cool head, regular
communication with God, abstention from carnal food and pleasure,
no alcohol, smoking or condiments. A strict vegetarian diet and
love for all my fellow men."

The photographer found the island had drastically changed,
almost out of control.

"For me, the persons in my photographs are those who have
contributed significantly to changes in both mental and physical
terms," he said during the opening of the exhibition.

"To me, those pictures are very private."

In capturing his desired figures, he preferred to use black-
and-white.

"Black-and-white portrays people as they are. It's honest and
strong enough to reveal people's character and personality," the
photographer explained.

Another work portrayed Merta Ada, a spiritual figure who is
famous for teaching meditation, known as "Bali Usada Meditation".
A devout Buddhist, Merta Ada posed with a Buddha statue.

The picture really captures Merta Ada's religiosity. The
pictures of Pedanda (high priest) Subali and noted psychiatrist
Ni Luh Ketut Suryani were among Rio's outstanding works.

In addition to spiritual leaders, Rio also portrayed several
famous persons, like the multi-talented Dr. AA. Made Djelantik, a
medical doctor, artist and writer, as well as painter. In the
picture, he captured Djelantik in his leisure time. Wearing
shorts, Djelantik holds his beloved violin in front of his
memorable painting, which he created during his stay in Buru
island.

Painter Made Wianta is shot wearing a weird suit and a tie
without a shirt.

Rio also took pictures of several other artists, like Suteja
Neka, owner of Museum Neka and Agung Rai and his wife.

His picture of Abu Bakar, one of Bali's contemporary theater
figures, is convincing. "I found it hard to take Abu Bakar's
picture because he's so low-profile," Rio remembered. Abu Bakar
and his theater group Poliklinik transformed local theater into a
contemporary art form.

Rio also captured the lives of several expatriates who lived
in Bali for quite a long time. Rio took pictures of Linda
Garland, a bamboo artist, Arie Smit and art critic Jean Couteau.

One more interesting picture is that of sexologist Wimpie
Pangkahila. He is portrayed sitting on a table beside sculptures
of male genitals and other sex objects. In addition to his black-
and-white collections, Rio has also displayed color photographs
showing his extensive overseas journeys to China, India, Brunei
Darussalam and elsewhere.

Born in Switzerland to a Turkish mother and Indonesian father,
Rio feels his heart is in Bali. He has been staying and working
in the artists' village of Ubud since l978. Rio, who had
previously dreamed of becoming a painter, said he hoped his
exhibition could benefit others.

An expatriate living in Legian was happy to see all of the
displayed photographs. "I've lived here for several years but I
knew only a few. The photographs are a reminder that there are
many good people around us," the visitor said.