Irene Barlian is an independent documentary photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her career begins after earning a Bachelor in Communication Science, specializing in Journalism from Pelita Harapan University, and learning photography at Harrisburg Area Community College. Her documentary photographic interest primarily focuses on culture, social, religion, and spiritual themes. She has a particular fondness for the vibrancy in Southeast Asia and continues to documenting social life and witnessing history. The most significant element of her professional ventures is devoted to personal, long term projects. Recently, she develops an interest in stories concerning women and the climate crisis issue.
Barlian has contributed works to publications worldwide. Her works were exhibited in a group show in the U.S.A, France, Switzerland, and Greece. In 2019, she joined Reuters as a contributing photographer covering news around Indonesia. She lives in Jakarta but continues to travel.
Awards & Exhibitions:
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2015 First Place Travel Category at Vellamo Photo Competition.
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2015 Fifth Exposure Award, The Documentary Collection by SeeMe.
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2015 Sienna International Photo Awards Finalist.
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2015 Top 24 Featured Creators by See.Me at Miami Art Basel.
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2015 The Artbox.Project Miami 1.0 shown in Miami Art Basel
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2016 Inclusion in Thousand Beauty of Indonesia Tourism exhibition
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2017 The Artbox Project Basel 1.0, shown in Basel art weeks.
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2017 Inclusion in ‘Travel’ exhibition at Blank Wall Gallery, Greece.
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2018 Inclusion in The Art Box Project New York, shown in Stricoff Gallery
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2020 Eyes on Main Street Festival
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2020 Solo Photo Festival
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2021 ‘Mengabarkan Kita Tenggelam’, virtual exhibition with Greenpeace Indonesia
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2021 Seventh Edition Eyes on Main Street, Photo Reportage Grant Recipient
Publication:
The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Reuters, Sidetracked, DestinAsian Indonesia, L'Officiel Indonesia, Time International, Daily Dozen. National Geographic, Matador Network, Passion Passport, Kompas Klass, Bali&Beyond, Exposure, Travelxpose, Sriwijaya In-FlightMagazine, Eros, Flint, Aplaus, Only Harrisburg, Dodho.