Aesthetics of Comfort in the Photography Zine “Bond”: Reconstruction of Memory and Spirituality of the Alifuru Family in Ambon

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Authors: Ardiles Akyuwen
Cited by: 0
References: 3

Abstract

The reconstruction of memory and family spirituality has become crucial for the Ambonese society in Maluku, as oral traditions and kinship systems are increasingly eroded by modernization.Furthermore, previous studies on photography and family memory have seldom highlighted perspectives from marginalized communities such as the Alifuru.The photographic zine Bond emerges in response to this urgency by exploring the author's emotional and spiritual connection with their family through an intimate, everyday photographic approach.An aesthetic of comfort is employed to create authentic and emotionally resonant graphic moments.The creative method involves cropping medium-shot and close-up photographs, then arranging them in collages alongside physical documents, which are subsequently digitally scanned and folded to produce layers of visual texture.This process not only reconstructs memory but also establishes a visual dialectic between personal intimacy and cultural heritage.The zine serves as an experimental form to deconstruct the boundaries of orthodox photography while bridging photographic art with expressive fine art.Bond elevates Alifuru spiritual values through traditional texts and scripts.This work emphasizes three key aspects: the development of a reflective photography methodology, photography as interdisciplinary research, and artistic practice grounded in visual qualitative research.Bond unites visual art, cultural anthropology, and social psychology within the medium of an artistic photographic zine.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Photography and Visual Culture Photographic and Visual Arts Participatory Visual Research Methods

Publication details

Journal / source
Atlantis highlights in social sciences, education and humanities/Atlantis Highlights in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities
Pages
209–223
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter