"Visual exploration of day-to-day existence in Indonesia presented through striking photographs in a groundbreaking photo book"
In the lush, island-strewn expanse between the Indian and Pacific oceans, lies Bengkulu, a province on the southwest coast of Sumatra. This place, Farid Renais Ghimas considers as his hometown. The photographer has recently prepared a book titled "Angan-Angan Harsa", his first book project, which is a labor born from the heart.
Although specific thematic details about the book are not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on the project being heartfelt suggests a personal or deeply artistic nature connected to his photography work. The book, translated as 'Dreams of Joy' in Indonesian, was inspired by Farid's childhood growing up in Bengkulu.
Angan-Angan Harsa was shot during the summer of 2022 and features images of Farid's family, particularly his cousins Farell and Fauzan. Farell, the quieter of the two, spent most of his time playing outside with friends after school, while Fauzan, the more outgoing one, enjoyed being in front of the camera and often made funny faces and silly gestures.
Primary colors dominate the initial viewer's impression in Angan-Angan Harsa, before dissolving into softer hues. One of Farid's favorite photographs from the series shows children playing barefoot in the golden light of late afternoon.
Farid Renais Ghimas deeply misses the comfortable silence and quiet sense of belonging in Bengkulu during his time abroad. He hopes that Angan-Angan Harsa will help others find a sense of belonging, memory, or the quiet beauty of ordinary life. The photographer assumes the role of observer, capturing the rhythms of daily life and moments of stillness and joy.
Farid Renais Ghimas completed an MA in fashion photography at Central Saint Martins in London. The 92-page photo series documents Farid's family, friends, and community members in Bengkulu. The Tabut Festival, a traditional event in Bengkulu, features ornamental structures adorned in deep reds, vibrant yellows, and floral motifs, which may also be seen in the photographs.
Farid Renais Ghimas does not aim to make bold statements with Angan-Angan Harsa; instead, he wants to revisit his hometown and capture its people, places, and moments that are part of him. Despite not repeating earlier themes such as memory, place, and belonging, Angan-Angan Harsa is still a visceral meditation on these very themes.
In essence, Angan-Angan Harsa is a journey back to Farid's roots, a reconnection with the emotions that shaped his own childhood. It is a testament to the power of photography in capturing and preserving moments, places, and people that hold deep personal significance.
Farid Renais Ghimas plans to delve further into his artistic journey with future projects, potentially exploring themes from 'home-and-garden' and 'lifestyle' in his subsequent works, as indicated by his heartfelt labor in "Angan-Angan Harsa".
One may anticipate a potential extension of "Angan-Angan Harsa," perhaps included in a chapter of a book encompassing diverse subjects such as 'entertainment' or 'books,' showcasing his growth as a photographer and storyteller.
