I was there when the Buddhist Bug was born and went on a long journey with it from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Singapore, Lyon and Brisbane. It is an essential and greatly valued part of my relationship and friendship with artist Anida Yoeu Ali.
In 2013 the Buddhist Bug appeared for the first time in the public at JavaArts (Java Cafe & Gallery Independence Monument).
The Buddhist Bug is the concept of artist Anida Yoeu Ali, and a project of Studio Revolt
2013 Exhibition and production support: Dana Langlois
“The Buddhist Bug Project seeks to map a new spiritual and social landscape through its surreal existence amongst ordinary people and everyday environments. The Buddhist Bug is a fantastic saffron-colored creature that can span the length of a 30-metre bridge or coil into a small orange ball. Rooted in an autobiographical exploration of identity, the Bug comes from the artist’s own spiritual turmoil between Islam and Buddhism. Set amongst everyday people in ordinary moments, the Bug provokes obvious questions of belonging and displacement.”
Anida Yoeu Ali