by Yvette Depaepe 
Published the 24th of August 2020

 
Hari Sulistiawan  has an impressive and amazing collection of conceptual images and portraits.  His work is strong, intense, emotive, hypnotic and nearly magnetic.  He expresses his ideas through perfect executed creative processes.  In this interview, Hari reveals us a lot more about the artist behind his images.  Enjoy this short walk together through Hari's portfolio.

'neglected'

 

Dear Hari, can you briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.
I was born in 1977 in Surabaya city, one of the cities in the province of East Java, Indonesia.
I was blessed by God with talent. My art - mainly drawing - started already when I was a kid.  I often participated in several drawing competitions while still at the primary school in my village.  Even today I still make some illustrated drawings but I have a huge lack of time because of my professional life.
I am now involved in a business in the field of silk screen printing & garment.

'Stairs to the second sky'

'… cloud catcher …'

'about fear'

 

How have your history and life experiences affected your photography?
Which are your most important experiences that have influenced your art?
Many sad stories in my life inspired my photographic work.  It affects almost every piece of my creations. The saddest experience in one’s life is when we lose somebody we really loved and that is the reason why many of my works are BW.

'my destiny guide'

'don't wake me up for tomorrow'

 

What first attracted you to photography?
The main reason that photography interested me is that many of my friends from Surabaya city were working hard to become professional photographers.  I thought that photography could be gorgeous to have as a side job.  So, I started working as a wedding photographer together with a friend of mine during several years (2000-2009).  When I moved to Jakarta to work as a Graphic Designer in a company, I quit my work as a wedding photographer in Surabaya city.  Of course, my spirit remained and I continued to take pictures, which I uploaded to an Indonesian Photography site.

That was before I joined the 1x community in 2010.  Since then I feel much more passionate to create works in my own style.

'Turn Off'

'women who have been hurt'

'cemeng'

 

Can you describe your overall photographic vision?
My vision is to make people appreciate photography more and I really would like to do an exhibition around the world.

Why are you so drawn to creatively edited and conceptual photography?
I think it is very difficult for many photographers to implement ideas without editing support. It is nearly impossible to create a concept with just one single shot.

What is more important to you, the mood/story behind your images or the technical perfection?
To me, it is very important to develop all the required technical skills first.  It is precisely with the basic photographic techniques such as composition and light, that one is able to enhance your photographs during the processing.

'everybody hurts'

'Lady Cloud'

'Sleep Walker'

 

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
If I'm working on a concept outdoors, I'll prepare carefully the location before taking any photo.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
I'm using a Canon EOS 5 D mk II with the following lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/1,4, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2,8 L USM, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L USM, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS II USM, EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM, EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM, Lensbaby

What software do you use to process your images?
Adobe Photoshop

What is your most important advice to a beginner in creatively edited and conceptual photography and how do you get started?
Just start by fully understanding the basics & techniques.  Without them, the creative process will never be powerful enough.  Get inspired by other conceptual photographers.  Don't be a pure copyist, always try to develop your own style.

'self lockdown'

'… Under Quarantine …'

 

Do you have a favourite photographer and how did your appreciation influence your own photography?
Angela Bacon-Kidwell, because her work is so unique and so full of emotions.

Is there any specific photo taken by another photographer that has inspired you a lot and why?
I love particularly the image from Angela Bacon-Kidwell titled 'Balance' because it always remembers me of a beloved one who left us forever.

'Balance' by Angela Bacon-Kidwell

 

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?
I really like this photo because it is my very first photo published on 1x and because it also reminds me of my first camera.

'Ooops...!!!'

 

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
I think 1x is the most famous and excellent photography website.
I'm very happy and proud to be part of this community.

'Dawning'