Angan-Angan Harsa

Angan-Angan Harsa is an energetic explorations of joy set in the environmental settings of my birthplace, Bengkulu. Taken between July-August in 2022, the project features my family, friends, and people in the local community.

"Angan-Angan Harsa" is an energetic exploration of joy set within the environmental settings of my birthplace, Bengkulu - which is a province on the southweste coast of Sumatera Island, Indonesia. It serves as a visual narrative of my identity and the lives of my community members. The project, titled "Dreams of Joy" in Indonesian, encapsulates its essence.

The project initially started as a final project for my MA in Fashion Communication: Fashion Image at Central Saint Martins, my journey began with a longing to convey my Indonesian upbringing. Departing for the UK in 2018 for a BA in photography, I faced a setback in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, prompting a reconnection with my homeland through photography. Although shuttling between the UK and Indonesia during my study, I always lacked an extended stay for a comprehensive project. Expressing this to my MA tutor, I articulated a desire to return home and document the influences that shaped my life. In July 2023, I embarked on a month-long immersion in Bengkulu, creating a series that encapsulates my roots and relationships with my family.

Returning to my hometown after years away felt both strange and familiar. While many things remained unchanged, I found myself appreciating aspects of life that I had previously taken for granted. I faced challenges at first, especially with family members hesitant to be photographed, so I started to get into this habit of visiting their home everyday, as well as interacting with people on the street. Armed with a 35mm camera, successful days for me were marked by the completion of a film roll.

As the community grew accustomed to my presence, the final weeks flowed smoothly, deepening my emotional connection. Using a blend of documentary and staged portraiture, I initiated conversations about personal identity and everyday life, emphasizing the significance of time, place, and community.

My aim was not to impose specific interpretations but to bridge memories and experiences from my Indonesian upbringing. While some may relate, others may not fully grasp it. Nonetheless, each photograph serves as a fragment of my story and a tribute to the place I call home.