Thread: Four Generation Family Portrait

Forum member Tony, a photographer from Hawaii, was just recently here in Bali, and during his time visiting with us, he volunteered to take some family portraits. As anyone who lives within a large Balinese family knows, it is no small task to get everyone all together in one place at the same time. Somehow we did it, and this is the result...all four generations, and all present and accounted for.

With many thanks to Tony, we now all have several family photos the whole family can enjoy. While family portraits are not a Balinese tradition, this is one western tradition that my family agrees is well worth adopting. A million thanks again Tony from all of “your family” in Bali! Cheers!

Very nice photograph of your family, Roy.

But I can't help noticing; are you sitting down or standing up? Sorry for my curiousity.

Yes, very nice. You do look a little short though from other photos that I've seen of you.

Truth be told, I purposely squatted down so my image would not be misconstrued within the hierarchy of the adult males in my family. In my mind it was kind of like how I position myself when called to sit with the high priest during a ceremony. One never wants to position themselves higher than they should.

As it was, it was Kumpi, the patriarchal elder, great grandfather, and head of the family who insisted that I be next to his side, as he often does when we are at temple. I cannot explain this amazing bond that Kumpi and I have. That should be the place for his son, my father in law, but I don’t ask questions, rather I chose to remain sensitive and respectful all around. But, you are both right in that I do look as though I am “cut and pasted” into the family photo. But that is OK for me. I know my place within my family, and it is beyond anything I could ever expect, and I also know I am not Balinese, nor will I ever be Balinese. Our sons, yes, and that’s all that matters to me.

If you look closely at the shot, I am just slightly higher in elevation than my youngest brother in law, Ketut. As he is unmarried, and thus not part of the banjar adat, that was OK. In reality, I can vote, and he can’t, but of course I never vote and only offer my opinion when asked.

Tony took a great number of various shots...including the women of our family, and the men. When it came time for the men in our family, I abstained, and would not include myself. Also absent by his choice is my brother in law, Wayan Tagel who is married to Eri’s older sister. Thus, this is a great photo of the men, the patriarchal and Balinese substance of our family:

And here are the women, and women to be, in our family.

Just in case anyone is still out there thinking that Bali is a male dominated society, let me clue you in on the facts...it’s the women of Bali who run this island...pure and simple. :shock:

Once again, we are very grateful to Tony for all these superb photos of our family to be shared for generations on. As he often includes in his posts here on this forum, you can see more of Tony’s work either at his website:

http://www.tonynovak-clifford.com/

or his blog,

http://www.tonynovak-clifford.blogspot.com

Great pictures Roy !!

I can imagine how difficult it must have been getting everyone together. Something like that would be difficult for my family (inlaw) as well since they are living in Ubud, DenPasar & Buleleng. That's gonna be a challenge :shock:

But the effort Nakal, is well worth the result.

Your story,
Roy, reminds me of a photo that I took years ago when I was married to my ex. We were in India visiting her relatives and we did a family photo. Kamala stood way above everyone else in the family including Patti who was fairly ancient at that time.