Exploring authenticity, identity, and self-expression through photography

HUEVOICES. Meet Rizky Sabriansyah, the soulful photographer from Malang, Indonesia.

Sep 21, 2024

A little note. The ambition has always been to provide a space for more diverse representation online—especially for Southeast Asian/Asian creatives worldwide. What good are these interviews if they’re sitting behind a paywall? ;) So, spread the word and enjoy!

This interview was initially done in Indonesian. English translation available below. Find him on Instagram, Unsplash, or Pexel. Terimakasih Rizky!

Rizky Sabriansyah (26), aku adalah seorang pekerja lepas di bidang fotografi dan pekerja lepas di Canva, dan fotoku juga pernah ter feature untuk Spotify Playlist.

Rizky Sabriansyah (26), I am a freelance photographer and a freelancer at Canva, and my photos have also been featured in a Spotify Playlist.

Kota asalku adalah Malang
Aku sekarang masih tinggal di Malang.
Waktu kecil aku suka menggabar.
Soundtrack hidupku adalah Lumineers “Leader of the Landslide.”

Waktu kecil, aku bercita-cita jadi seorang seniman atau dokter hewan. Sekarang aku seorang fotografer.
Tapi, kalau di kehidupan lain, aku ingin jadi pengedali waktu.
Nasihat terburuk yang pernah aku terima adalah disaat orang-orang atau keluarga tidak menginginkanku menjadi pekerja kreatif.
Long Beard- Getting By adalah lagu yang menginspirasi aku saat ini karena seperti lagu itu memiliki kisah cinta yang sangat rumit, sedih, kekecewaan.
Tiga lagu terakir yang aku ‘like’ adalah semuanya dari seri video game Final Fantasy, yaitu Scarlett Theme, No Promises to Keep, dan Tifa’s Theme.

Buku/film/artikel/podcast/karya seni terakir yang berkesan buat aku adalah Komik dari karya Inio Asano ‘Goodnight Punpun,’ Film dokumenter dari James Nachtwey ‘War Photographer,’ dan karya seni foto oleh Ren Hang.
Untuk mencapai potensi kreativitasku, aku butuh waktu yang sangat lama dan support orang-orang sekitar.
Aku nggak pernah bisa keluar rumah tanpa handphone.
Pakaian pilihan faforitku sekarang adalah baju hitam/putih.
Sepatu yang aku paling sering pakai sekarang adalah sepatu boots Dr. Martens.
Di meja samping tempat tidurku, kamu bakal nemuin banyak manga, photobook, dan artbook.
Untuk aku self-care (versiku) itu adalah bermain game.
Sabtu sore ideal buatku adalah jalan sore hari melihat hujau-hijauan.
Mantra hidup utama aku adalah banyak uang menjadi malas berkarya, sedikit uang menjadi semangat berkarya.

My hometown is Malang, Indonesia.
I still live in Malang.
When I was a child I loved to draw.
The soundtrack to my life is Lumineers ‘Leader of the Landslide.’

When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an artist or a veterinarian. Now, I am a photographer.
But, in another life, I’d want to be a time controller.
The worst advice I’ve ever received was when people or my family didn’t want me to pursue a creative career.
Long Beard's ‘Getting By’ is the song that inspires me the most right now because it feels like it tells a very complicated love story, filled with sadness and disappointment.

The last three songs I ‘liked’ are all from the Final Fantasy video game series: ‘Scarlett Theme’, ‘No Promises to Keep’, and ‘Tifa’s Theme’.

The last book/film/article/podcast/artwork that left an impression on me are Inio Asano's comic ‘Goodnight Punpun,’ James Nachtwey's documentary film ‘War Photographer,’ and Ren Hang's photographic art.
To reach my full creative potential, I need a lot of time and support from those around me.
I can never leave the house without my phone.
My go-to outfit of the moment is black/white clothing.
The shoes you’ll see me wearing most are Dr. Martens boots.
On my bedside table, you'll find lots of manga, photo books, and art books.
For me, my idea of self-care is playing video games.
My ideal Saturday afternoon is an evening walk, enjoying greenery.
My life’s main mantra is: having lots of money makes me lazy to create, having little money makes me eager to create.