At an exhibition named “Fotodidak: Terpanjat Tak Terperanjat” (Photo-didact: Stumbled but Unsurprised), renowned MC and former student of the UGM Faculty of Literature (now the Faculty of Cultural Sciences), Anang Batas, displayed his photographic works.
The exhibition, which featured 450 of Anang’s portrait works, was a post-pandemic reunion and officially launched on Saturday (8/12), with the participation of his friends from the UGM Alums Family (Kagama).
“The title ‘Stumbled but Unsurprised’ was selected because I never planned to be indulged in photography, so I feel like I’ve reached a level without aiming for a target. I’m grateful to have been blessed with many talents by God, and I just let them flow naturally,” said Anang.
He admitted that he got into photography to pass the time during the pandemic.
“I did not know about photography, didn’t understand the techniques, and was unfamiliar with the terms. Eventually, I was invited to take photos and kept making mistakes repeatedly. That’s what led me to spend four months staying up all night (to take photos) on the slopes of Mount Merapi,” he shared.
Anang also admitted that he still finds photography techniques challenging to grasp.
“I initially thought that if I learned from a manual book, the object would already be gone when I read it. So, I decided to read it after taking the photo. But it turns out I often took the photo incorrectly, and I never got around to rereading the manual until now,” Anang humorously added.
He acknowledged that his works still contain many errors and must be refined to achieve better photographic techniques.
The exhibition revolves around closeness to nature, particularly birds. Anang Batas presents various portraits showcasing the beauty of exotic Indonesian birds from Java to Lombok.
His works reflect his gratitude for God’s blessings, which have given him the opportunity and ability. Beyond that, Anang’s fondness for capturing these bird portraits has led him to participate in the conservation movement for bird ecosystems in Jatimulyo.
“I hope everyone can enjoy this exhibition and appreciate Anang Batas’ work, which is always inspiring. This is relevant to photography and how Anang mentors colleagues in Jatimulyo about the environment. While it’s usually about waste, this time it’s about bird conservation,” expressed the Head of the Yogyakarta Tourism Office, Singgih Raharjo.
The Jatimulyo Village Tourist Area became the focus of Anang’s environmental preservation efforts due to its bird conservation area with various species, making it an ideal place for bird observation.
Anang Batas’ career journey and expertise also garnered praise from the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, MD.
“I’ve witnessed Anang’s remarkable career. I see him as someone resilient and extremely tenacious. So, I believe this exhibition, a product of Anang’s self-taught efforts, is proof of his determination and perseverance,” stated the rector.
Anang’s exhibition ran nine days at Wisdom Park from August 12 to 20, 2023. Additionally, it featured other artists, such as Encik Sri Krishna & Friends, Dalang Ki Arief Nurcahyo, and photography workshops.
Author: Tasya