Island Of The Spirits

The Balinese culture is a compilation of the top civilizations that have once set foot in this small island, from animism, dynamism, totemism, Buddhism, Sywaism, until modernism, are all combined in one featuring a culture both festive and complex. The spiritual culture of Bali is rooted in India Hinduism, Buddhist and ancient animism belief, which first originated in East Java. Old-age-century ceremonies with very complex rituals are still alive until this every day. In the middle of machine roars and the very swift globalization beat, the aroma of incense and the chanting of the holy mantra still can be heard although it becomes more subtle.

Delivering the yadnya (holy offering) is an obligation from time to time. Canang sari, an offering tool in the form of woven palm leaves filled with colorful flowers, cannot be separated from the daily lives of the Balinese people. We could find them easily in front of the house entrance, the family prayer venue, in the big tree with poleng skirt and other special places. Balinese really believe in the presence of niskala (unseen energy / unseen forces) which also determine the sustainability of lives on this island. Maintaining harmony with the niskala world, delivering offering (flowers, fruit and water) are believed to bring in goodness for the Balinese community. Almost in all corners we can see these offering tools. Trees, temples, mountains, rocks, water are all considered holy for Balinese, and Balinese believe all of those can become gateways to the other world from their ancestors, the gods / goddesses and the ruler of the underworld. These matters show us that this is as if the spirit or the energy exists everywhere.

John Stanmeyer spent 5 years living in Bali. Through his lens shots, he made quite a complete reportage on the lives of the Balinese community. His photos captured events from the last decade. The bodies featured in this book strongly emphasize the historical (aspects) of spiritual lives in Bali. We could understand some of it as they are explained fully, however tracing deeper into the book the description features layered imagery. This spectacular book is quite interesting as reference for all parties intensely related with Balinese culture. The visual black and white language displayed in the book is very captivating, luring the imagination and emotions of the readers to join in in the ambience and events presented in the book. Simple yet thrilling.

ISLAND OF THE SPIRITS by John Stanmeyer,
Texts by Wade Davis and Anastasia Stanmeyer,
Afterhours 2010 edition,
ISBN 978-602-97507-1-3,
80 pages

This book could be found at Komaneka Fine Art Gallery.