Emotion, as I define it, is like an enzyme that digests human experiences, which affects a person’s ability to be compassionate and empathetic. Human emotions are indeed abstruse, yet the lack of understanding of our emotions can truly disrupt our inherent benevolence, shattering our sense of identity essential to maintaining a relationship with ourselves and others. I understand art as a means of comprehension, an empirical process that concerns the inner working of the mind. Utilizing video and photography, I display my process of becoming compassionate openly and invite others into the process by offering–– with candor, authentic perspectives on dealing with negative life experiences, and transparency with my vulnerability.

Born in Bogor, Indonesia–– in a society that belittles artists, I was raised to discern art solely as entertainment. My fondness for art remained a “hobby” for a long time until I realized I had been utilizing art as a voice for my thoughts, emotions, and ideas. I actively participated in my high school’s theater and dance arts extracurriculars. Writing theater plays, poetries, and monologues was my media of storytelling until I was introduced to photography. Using a camera sitting in my mother’s closet for over a year, I learned how to operate a camera manually through the internet. As I was learning, I grew fond of visual storytelling and started experimenting with moving images— incorporating poetry and sound into my works. My fondness then turned into dedication. Thus in 2018, I left my hometown, Bogor, to pursue an education in film production. In June 2022, I graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned a BFA in film and video production from The City College of New York. During my academic years at The City College of New York, I was awarded a merit scholarship and the Dr. David M. Milch Foundation Short Film Competition award scholarship. I am now currently a graduate student at Hunter College, majoring in integrated media arts.