DOMINIQUE LATOEL – MURAL [2022]
Dominique Latoel is a Moluccan contemporary artist and graphic designer with Alifuru roots (Indigenous people of the Moluccan Islands). Using vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Dominique seeks to capture the essence of Alifuru culture, conveying its beauty and power to a wider audience. Through his work, he explores the intersection of traditional Alifuru beliefs and modern-day life, seeking to preserve and honor the wisdom of his ancestors while connecting it to contemporary issues. He creates a dialogue that promotes understanding and respect for all cultures and traditions.
For his piece, ‘SALO KAWA HEKE MINA TAMAKELE E!’, Dominique asked me to capture the process of its creation. This was an interesting challenge for me, as I wanted to create a resonant, coherent dynamic between the artwork and the film. Therefore, the colors of the Moluccan flag, which Dominique uses in his work, also appear in the shot transitions of the film.
Additionally, to create a sense of connection between Alifuru culture and today’s society, I incorporated quick, sped-up visual interludes. These interludes represent the roots of the symbol-based script composed of icons that underpin Dominique's work. This approach references the flow of time and figuratively peeks back and forth between the contemporary art Dominique creates and his Alifuru roots.
Dominique is inspired by the rich natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Moluccan Islands, and his art reflects the deep spiritual connection that exists between the Moluccan people and the land. I aimed to create a natural, organic feeling in the film by shooting handheld and including many close-up shots. These style choices make the artist and the artwork feel more unified. It depicts how Dominique’s work is closely intertwined with the world around us, making the film move harmoniously with the environment and flow melodically with the soundtrack, emphasizing how all these elements are interconnected.
CREDITS
CREW:
Concept Creation – Kjettil Gerritsen
Director of Photography – Kjettil Gerritsen
Editor, Sound Designer & Colorist – Kjettil Gerritsen
Composer – Jeremy-M
Graphic & Title Design – Dominique Latoel
CLIENT:
Dominique Latoel
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Cookie Deaux
Manise Clothing
