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.