Bundhowi - The Peace Photographer

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

M. BundhowiM. Bundhowi Born on the fertile island of Java, Bundhowi would come of age during the Suharto regime when artistic freedom was repressed in the name of order. Violence through images in the comics and movies, coupled with the heroic and sometimes horrific history of Indonesia impacted Bun’s arts tremendously.

Photography

Exposure to the Indochina refugees, and living and working with them for five years took him to a turn where he started painting images of peace – a positive rebuilding within humans. What was intended at first as a
therapeutic art for the refugee children, then developed into stronger messages of peace. During his assignment in the refugee camp Bun conducted a number of art activities for the refugees and a number of painting and photography exhibitions. After the cathartic experience of working for more than five years in the camp, Bun makes art solely for the purpose of promoting images of peace and beauty to combat the constant bombardment of images of war and suffering.

It makes absolutely no difference what other people think of you.

Bundhowi’s use of striking photo-montage involved the manipulation of 100 or more layers of photographs. In his current work he often includes images of statues that he photographed around Indonesia and Indochina. He explains that those symbols saw in different ancient temples or places of worships can be used as a symbol of
universal peace. Further, he says, his photography is about universal humanity and spirituality .

Art Exhibitions