“How Must I Live?” Photography project
In October 2024 we met Ryan Andrew in Jakarta, Indonesia. We got enthusiastic about his photography project “How Must I Live?”, which Ryan will produce in different ‘chapters’ (sub-projects). Document Our History Now is interested to sponsor a few of those chapters. Please help Ryan by doing a donation.
Triodos Bank (Netherlands) | IBAN: NL 81 TRIO 0784 6870 64 | BIC/SWIFT code: TRIONL2U
Ryan told us that he will meet several Queer people, living in different parts of Indonesia. He joins their lives for a short period and Ryan sees, feels or experiments which part(s) of their sexual and/or gender identity resonates to him – interaction with other Queers in order to self-explore – and Ryan will express his experiences with his personal photography language. See the first results as a video-presentation (above in this page).
Robert Witlox and photographers Ryan Andrew and Yoppy Pieter,
China Town, Jakarta, October 2024.
Photographer Ryan Andrew about his project
“How Must I Live?” (ongoing project during 2025)
“How Must I Live?” is an ongoing project that consist a journey of self-discovery through small fragments of memories shaped by loss and fear. It is also a new chapter to delve into my nightmare experiences, allowing myself to heal wounds from the past and find the truth I seek.
Generally, in Indonesia, queer individuals are those who do not wish to be “labeled” or have their presence known due to multi-layered discrimination. In order to pursue their professions in non- normative sectors, they have to seek safe spaces to express themselves in order to have equal rights and treatment as other citizens. In severe cases, discriminatory behavior against queer groups sometimes intrudes into the private sphere and results in acts of violence due to being deemed heretic.
On the other hand, as an individual who grew up in an environment where men are placed as the sole bearers of dominant primary power, I witnessed society adhering to values of toxic masculinity and heteronormativity. Therefore, a story about the resilience of queer individuals in Indonesia is relevant both for me personally and my subjects.
Through this grant by Document Our History now, I wish to continue my story and reconnect with queer artists, and share with the viewers about the beauty and imperfections in the different aspects that made the queer’s life so rich, filled with moments and excitement throughout their journey. Their gentleness and bravery are a result of their experiences, which gave them a broader perspective on life.
About Ryan Andrew
Ryan Andrew (born in 1991) is a visual artist and photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Victoria University in
Melbourne, Australia, in 2013. In 2018, he decided to pursue his passion for visual
communication at Lasalle College Jakarta.
Andrew’s work delves into the unique essence of his subjects, capturing their
authenticity, resilience, and vulnerabilities through various visual languages and often
incorporating deeply personal stories. His photographic practice focuses on themes of
gender fluidity, intimacy, and identity, which eventually led him to community- oriented
narratives. For him, these encounters serve as a reminder of the meaning of home,
warmth, and the profound connections that come from shared lives.
In addition to his commercial work, Andrew amplifies the voices of underprivileged
groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ individuals in Indonesia, fostering visibility and
advocating for inclusion. Through his artistic vision, he continues to use his work as a
platform to challenge perspectives, celebrate diversity, and inspire meaningful
conversations about identity and belonging.
