BALI FOTO Festival Begins in Nuanu: A New History for Photography and Art in Indonesia

Kapanlagi.com - A new history in the landscape of Indonesian art and culture begins today, with the opening of the first edition of the BALI FOTO Festival at Nuanu Creative City. Featuring 34 artists from 10 countries with a total of 32 photography projects (241 prints, 3 multimedia, and 5 photo books), the festival will last for 23 days. The BALI FOTO Festival will be filled with exhibitions, workshops, dialogues, and tours, setting a new standard for contemporary photography events in Bali.

"Art is at the core of this area, and hosting the BALI FOTO Festival means a lot to us, as photography is a tangible example of the intersection of the real world and art," said Lev Kroll, CEO of Nuanu Creative City. "It is truly an honor to welcome artists, through their works that explore the intricacies of life. Supporting artists and creating space for discussions about art—then bringing these discussions directly to visitors and partners—is our way of creating value for the creative area we are building."

The theme LIFE—KEHIDUPAN—was chosen for its openness, representing diverse experiences without a single defining characteristic. This theme provides space for artists to reflect on what life, grief, memory, and renewal mean. The artworks in this festival reflect sorrow, intimacy, resilience, and novelty, each shaped by personal experiences and cultural contexts. As the beginning of the BALI FOTO Festival journey, LIFE will feel both simple and vast.

"The curation process led us to revisit spaces that are often forgotten," said Ng Swan Ti and Gatari Surya Kusuma, Curatorial Team of the BALI FOTO Festival 2025. "We were mesmerized by artists who are comfortable with uncertainty. During the curation process, we were challenged and asked to slow down and remain open. This happened because of Nuanu's trust; we were not pressured to explain, only given the freedom to build. This value becomes the foundation of this festival."

The exhibition will take place in three outdoor and indoor locations: Labyrinth Art Gallery, Labyrinth Garden, and Popper’s Triangle, each designed to provide a different visual storytelling atmosphere. The FOTO Bali Festival 2025 will feature artists from Southeast Asia and beyond, such as: Ali Monis Naqvi, Arum Dayu, Atal Pamo, Azkaluna, Carolina Krieger, Catharine Neilson, Divya Cowasji, Ennuh Tiu, Gabriella Morton, Gorkey Patwal & Anubha Verma, I Wayan Ade Saputra, Karolina Gembara, Kim Hak, Kresnanta, Lê Nguyễn Phương, Mediana Tahir, Rangga Yudhistira & Wulang Sunu, Reza Kutjh, Rivo Abdulhaq, Rony Zakaria, Rugun Sirait, Ryan Andrew, Shindy Lestari, Shwe Wutt Hmon, Sophal Neak, Swastik Pal, Tomasz Lazar, Vickram Sombu, Yoese Mariam, Yoppy Pieter, Yusi Yuansa, and Zishaan A Latif.

"This festival is a reminder of what can happen when a group of people who truly care about art come together and collaborate," said Kelsang Dolma, Director of the FOTO Bali Festival. "I am very proud of what this team has built—quickly, maturely, and wholeheartedly. As the first edition, the responses we have received are very diverse, and this serves as motivation to move forward. Photography does not always receive the space it deserves in this region. This is how we start to change that."

In addition to the exhibition, the festival's event series consists of approximately 25 discussion sessions led by more than 20 speakers and facilitators. The program is very diverse, ranging from darkroom experiments and visual storytelling laboratories to panel discussions and tours, led by key figures in the world of contemporary photography. Starting with Beawiharta, a veteran photojournalist known for his raw human narratives; Edy Purnomo, who bridges memory and imagery through education and practice; and the Film Photography Club, a collective dedicated to reviving analog techniques through darkroom workshops. This event will feature documentary photographer and lecturer from Manila, Veejay Villafranca, and from India, Anshika Varma, a curator, publisher, and also an artist exploring visual culture from various disciplines.

The opening of the FOTO Bali Festival will be complemented by Nuanu Nights, a monthly event celebrating music, culture, and movements across the region. Some highlights of the events in Nuanu Nights include special performances at the iconic art installation by Daniel Popper, Earth Sentinels, traditional dances in the Amphitheatre, and live music performances held throughout the night.

(kpl/jje)