by Romi Perbawa
Afterhours Books is proud to announce THE RIDERS OF DESTINY, the second-edition and vastly-improved photobook by Leica photographer Romi Perbawa. Officially launched at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2015 in October 2015 where Indonesia was this year’s Guest of Honor country, THE RIDERS OF DESTINY presents the story of the lives of the very young jockeys who race horses in a sun-drenched corner of Nusa Tenggara Barat.
On Sumbawa Island in Indonesia, at the end of the rice-harvesting season, the season of horse racing begins. These races often involve children as young as 5 years old, with the horses running at incredibly high speeds. Shockingly, safety gear—such as harnesses and saddles—is rarely used, despite the risk of injury.
The local government considers the races an important part of island culture. Here, horseback racing is a tradition that is passed on from generation to generation. Horses, after all, form an important part of island life and are crucial for transport. Almost all families in the area have their own horse and youngsters learn to ride at a very young age. So, this too, is part of normal life on Sumbawa Island—young children performing dangerous “sports” for gambling money and local entertainment.
There are two editions available: Regular Edition and limited Collectors Edition (only 25 units produced with signed original photoprints in an exclusive clamshell box).
About Romi Perbawa:
Romi Perbawa was born in Kutoarjo, Central Java, on November 10, 1971. He began his acquaintance with photography in 2006. His work has appeared in many international publications, including magazine, magazine (France), the (Australia), (Belgium), (Poland), and daily (Indonesia). He recently was invited to screen this body of work at Visa pour l’Image 2015 in Perpignan and Photoquai 2015 in Paris.
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