THROUGH THE LENS OF KEVIN MIRC
Art & Culture The Spirit of Tradition in Bali – Bali is an island where spirituality and culture harmoniously intertwine with daily life. Among its most enduring symbols are the sacred offerings known as canang sari, small yet profound displays of gratitude and devotion. At Amo, we honor these traditions through weekly canang-making and wearing traditional Balinese attire, creating a deep connection to the island’s heritage.
This connection to Bali’s culture is also captured beautifully through the photography of Kevin Mirc, a French-Malagasy photographer known as @wanderskyy / @cultureskyy. His evocative images offer a window into Bali’s soul, immortalizing its traditions, rituals, and the profound spirituality that defines the island.
Kevin Mirc: Finding Inspiration in Balinese Traditions
When Kevin first arrived in Bali, he was captivated not only by its natural beauty but also by its cultural depth. “The first thing I experience when traveling to a new place is the culture,” he shares. “For me, culture includes food, ceremonies, and the way a country functions. As a photographer, I’m naturally drawn to capture what I see through my camera.”
Though initially visiting as a tourist, Kevin made Bali his home in 2019. Over time, his work shifted from mere documentation to deeply engaging with the Balinese people and their stories. His exploration of local traditions deepened during the pandemic when he worked with a charity delivering food to remote villages. “Through these portraits, I discovered more about the culture,” he says, reflecting on how these interactions allowed him to connect with Bali on a more profound level.
What is Canang?
Among Bali’s numerous traditions, canang sari stands out for its simplicity and significance. This daily offering symbolizes gratitude and harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds. Composed of a small palm-leaf basket filled with flowers, rice, and incense, each component holds symbolic meaning.
- – Flowers: Represent different gods and directions.
- – Rice: A symbol of life and sustenance.
- – Incense: Carries prayers to the divine.
These offerings are often placed at temples, doorways, and public spaces, showcasing the Balinese commitment to balance and devotion. Larger, more elaborate offerings, known as banten, are used for significant ceremonies.
For Kevin, these small rituals are as captivating as grand festivals. “I prefer to shoot canang sari at sunrise,” he shares. “The morning light complements the offering’s representation of a new day.”
Resonating Rituals: The Beauty of Galungan and Nyepi
Among the grand ceremonies, the Galungan festival holds a special place in Kevin’s heart. “The entire island transforms with penjors (decorated bamboo poles), and no two are alike,” he says. These intricate displays symbolize Mount Agung and the balance between good and evil, reflecting Bali’s spiritual depth.
Nyepi is equally significant to Kevin. “On this day, the island becomes a haven of silence and darkness, free from noise and artificial light,” he shares. The clear, star-filled sky provides a stunning backdrop, offering a rare moment for reflection and a deep connection with the island’s tranquil energy.
Challenges and Rewards of Capturing Culture
Photographing Bali’s sacred traditions is not without challenges. Kevin emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural boundaries: “Some ceremonies are private, and outsiders may not be welcome. Knowing the right people can make all the difference.”
Despite these challenges, Kevin finds immense joy in how open and welcoming Balinese people are. “Unlike in other countries, Balinese people often ask me to take their photos and even request copies,” he says, highlighting the mutual respect he shares with his subjects.
Kevin’s Perspective: Sharing the True Bali
Kevin’s goal as a photographer is to showcase Bali’s essence beyond its commercialized image. “I want to show that despite modernization, the real Bali is still here—its traditions, its ceremonies, its soul,” he explains. His work invites viewers to look past tourist hotspots and connect with the island’s authentic culture.
Keeping Traditions Alive at Amo
At Amo, Bali’s traditions are celebrated and preserved. Every Thursday, staff wear traditional attire and create canang sari to honor local customs. Special occasions like Galungan and Kuningan are marked with ceremonies and offerings, bringing a sense of balance and harmony to our community.
Amo also hosts odalan ceremonies and purification rites such as melaspas, ensuring that our spaces remain spiritually aligned. By integrating these practices into our operations, we honor the island’s heritage and create a serene, culturally enriched environment for our guests.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Bali’s Soul
Bali’s spirituality and traditions remain at the heart of its identity, from the everyday ritual of canang sari to the vibrant celebrations of Galungan. Through Kevin Mirc’s evocative photography and the practices upheld at Amo, we invite you to experience the island’s rich culture—a timeless blend of gratitude, balance, and spirituality that defines Bali.
As Kevin aptly puts it, “I see my role as a photographer as being a time traveler. As Bali modernizes, my work can remind people of how it used to be and the importance of preserving its culture and traditions.”