Landep
Yoese Mariam @yoese_mariam
65 SGD
22 X 16.7 cm
80pages
Offset Printing, Hardcover Swiss Binding
Design: Cavin Tondeo & Yoppy Pieter
First Edition, 2024
Self Published by artist, Yoese Mariam
In Landep, photographer Yoese Mariam delves into the mystique of a forbidden room within her house—a space that remains off-limits to everyone, including the homeowner. This room, shrouded in secrecy, holds a traditional Javanese keris, a dagger with deep cultural significance, carefully preserved by her father.
Initially perceived as just an ordinary artifact, the keris and its concealed room symbolize a challenging chapter in the family’s history. As memories of the keris resurface, Mariam’s photobook embarks on an exploration into the cultural heritage of the keris, leading to a richer understanding of Javanese traditions and their supernatural dimensions.
Through evocative imagery, Landep guides readers through key locations linked to the keris, such as Surakarta, Salatiga, Yogyakarta, Sumenep, and several Balinese villages. A poignant moment arises with a visit to Parangkusumo Beach in Yogyakarta, revealing its profound connection to the father’s past.
Mariam’s work beautifully illustrates how the keris has influenced the family’s destiny and reflects on the journey of reconciling with a complex and often painful history. Landep offers a deep and thought-provoking meditation on heritage, memory, and the quest for peace with the past.