Surreal Art Bug of Anida Yoeu Ali Offers Insights Into Buddhism

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB
Buddhist bug dining at Cambodian cafe
I feel sad for people without a God, but I don't feel the same about Buddhists. Buddhism is a religion without a God but unlike atheists, they strive for spiritual connections. While all branches of modern Buddhism agree that "this world is not created and ruled by a God," they are religious people whose creative imaginations lead to inspiring works of art.  Buddhist art is diverse, and includes depictions of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other spiritually centered entities. It also includes physical objects associated with Buddhist practice (dorjes, bells, clothing, etc.), and that's why the Buddhist Bug Project by Cambodian artist Anida Yoeu Ali stands out. She was raised a Khmer Muslim but uses her art to explore the spiritual and social landscape of both Buddhist and Islamic faiths. Her BBP is a surrealist exploration of sacred colors like saffron, the color of Buddhist monk robes and Islamic hijab inserted into everyday spaces.

all images courtesy of the philanthropic museum