This is a live volcano, is this a dangerous place to live for these
villagers?
Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia, with a
history of regular eruption since 1548. It erupts every 3-4 years,
with the last devastation caused on the 25th of October, 2010.
The volcanic ash and stones destroyed many villages falling within
a radius of 25 kilometers.
It is unpredictably very dangerous but that doesn't deter the
thousands of villagers from continuing to live in its periphery.
They embrace living with the risk of destruction in exchange for
land fertility opportunities created by eruptions.
Merapi is translated as 'Mountain of Fire', Etymology of Merapi
comes from Meru-Api. In Indian Hinduism, Meru refers to a
mythical spiritual mountain that remains elusive, and Api is fire in
Javanese.
How did you personally find out about this event?
It was a chance witness during a visit to Boko temple. My
photography pursuits are intuitive and my mental state with a
camera in hand is like a white cloud. “The being of a white cloud,
it's pathless way, is a mystery. It moves not with a fixed mind – but
without a mind.”
I look for an experience, that can only be achieved by moving
without a mind. The opportunity that arises before me, is the
essence that I aim to capture.
That's exactly what happened in the creation of this series.
What impressions did you take away from this experience?
This dance of celebration at Boko temple was an experience that
reinforced the need to accept creation, with both, fear and joy,
striving to find a balance in our lives.
What kind of equipment did you use to shoot these photos?
Canon 5D Mark II and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens.
62 | PicsArt Monthly