AFGHAN BOX CAMERA
Balinese photographer I Gusti Agung Wijaya Utama, S.Sn. has a unique vision to raise awareness of the past through distinct, eye-catching fine art and reconstructed portrait photography. Gung Ama, as he is known, does not use digital technology, but instead employs a process from the past: the Afghan Box Camera. As the name suggests, the camera is linked with Afghanistan, where it was first used in villages by travelling photographers before the existence of photography studios.
The Afghan Box Camera is a self-contained darkroom and camera housed within a simple wooden box on a folding tripod. Black-and-white photographs are created in minutes by producing a paper negative and then photographing the negative to create a positive image. Unfortunately, this old-world technology is disappearing, being replaced by digital cameras, modern photography studios, and smartphone selfies.
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“My photography reflects the growing sentiment within the Balinese seeking a return to the wisdom of the past,” Gung Ama said. “In the face of modernity and the homogenisation of cultures, I believe it is important to celebrate and embrace cultural icons to help reinforce our identity. In addition, it’s essential to be reminded of our forefather’s messages, culture lost and the wisdom of the past.”
“Digital technology and the modern mindset desiring immediate outcomes and satisfaction are impacting upon the art of photography and contributing to the erosion of traditional Balinese values,” said Gung Ama, born in Batubulan Gianyar in 1988, whose interest is photography began in 2006. “Nowadays, smartphones equipped with sophisticated cameras are affordable and an essential modern icon and tool. Moreover, social media and selfies dramatically impact lifestyles and alter our concept of identity. By recreating the nostalgia and curiosity of old Bali through manual, handmade photos, my objective is to reignite cultural memory while inspiring awareness and discussion among all the generations.”