A series of color and black-and-white photographs will greet visitors at the Lobby of the Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from October 23 to 25, 2025. The exhibition, titled “Voyage Exhibition: Space and Stories,” is organized by the UGM Photography Unit (UFO) as a space for expression and reflection on the dynamics of human life and its surroundings.
Open to the public and free of charge, the exhibition presents photographic works that capture portraits of life from various spaces—from the bustle of city streets to the quiet intimacy of private rooms. Through the eyes of young photographers, every corner transforms into a story rich with meaning.
The theme “Space and Stories” stems from the idea that life is not only reflected in grand events but also in the details of everyday moments: the smiles of children in narrow alleys, the sweat of fishermen at dawn, or the quiet rituals within a family home. Each photograph weaves a narrative that unites visual beauty with genuine social realities.
The exhibition serves as a space for students to express themselves and sharpen their sensitivity to their surroundings. Each work is designed to evoke empathy and awareness, inviting visitors to reflect on their relationship with space and with life itself.
Over the course of three days, visitors can enjoy dozens of photographic works created by members of UFO UGM through their explorations across various parts of Yogyakarta. Each piece offers a unique perspective on how spaces shape stories and how people, in turn, give meaning to those spaces.
The exhibition aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it highlights the relationship between humans and their living spaces while encouraging greater awareness of social and cultural environments. It also supports SDG No. 4, Quality Education, by providing students with opportunities to learn through creative work, develop their artistic potential, and explore human values through the medium of photography.
This exhibition serves as a reminder that behind every photograph lies an effort to understand humanity and the universe—a quiet journey that teaches us to appreciate life in all its forms.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh