Before becoming a freelance photographer, Erna Dyanty (b. 1981) was a rhythmic gymnastic coach for five years. Erna’s more recent exhibitions include NYKL - Landmarks of New York and Kuala Lumpur at The Annexe, Kuala Lumpur and Through Two Views a photography program in collaboration with National Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur and directed by Alex Moh


Why do you choose to work with photography? Is this the only medium you work with?

There are many reasons why I have chosen photography as a medium to work with. I find it fascinating how a camera works like a time machine and the image captured is preserved in time like a time capsule. The medium itself is a very challenging tool, although now with digitally-enhanced cameras and image-editing software, many may say that it's easy as you can deconstruct and reconstruct images with the help of digital manipulation. On the contrary, it is difficult for a photographer to project what they see through a photo and at the same time have others feel the same way they do. Just like any other art medium there is a lot of planning to do before a taking a photo. For me, I like to tell stories and I am a very visual person. I am not very good at explaining my thoughts in text or speech, hence, photography serves as my explanation tool. At the moment it is the only medium I am working with, there is still so much to learn and perfect.


What does the photograph mean in the 21st century?

Photography is going through an interesting time in the 21st century.  With the advancement of digital technology in cameras and photo editing, photography has now become an accessible leisure pursuit. Grasping spot on photography technique is not the only necessary skill needed for a photographer anymore. Now photographers need to acquire techniques of light room developing or photo editing. There is more room for experimenting with different ways of composing a photo before it is shot, and this challenges individual creativity. Digital technology has paved way for photo manipulation to be the next best thing in photography, it has become a new art form. Both commercial and fine art photographers have embraced it. However viewers and collectors may be wary that when photos are in digital format, images are easily reproduced in large numbers, and that consequently there is no true value to a digitally enhance photo compared to a hand-developed one. There is a need to convince the public that although technology has taken over the format, photography is still a unique art form and each photo taken is never a like. The value of a photo resides in what it represents and not in its quantity.


What are the prevailing themes in your work?

The prevailing theme in my work is the urban cityscape, space and structure. I love how you can see different human emotions projected through the structure of buildings and space. There is always this beautiful connection between the city and the people living in it. 


How did you come to make this particular work/series of work?

Kuala Lumpur's perpetual development has altered landscapes and compromised landmarks that once embodied the city's identity, which gave it character.  This body of work pays homage to the familiar architecture and landscape of our nation's capital. It also explores the city's space and structures. These photographs question the cause and effect of decisions that have been motivated by politics and commerce. Were these decisions made with the best interest of the city and its inhabitants in mind and how has it affected/improved our state of mind?


Please complete the sentence: All I need is ... Love  ( the Beatles was playing in my head :) )