What is Another Room and how did it come to be?
Another Room is a collection of photographs with alternative process (cyanotype and gum oil).
This project was born of the battle of my mother E. Holi’s vascular dementia, a journey that profoundly impacted our lives. For nine long months, we fought through the worst of it together, and with proper treatments and therapies, her condition improved significantly.
Photography, my cherished hobby, serves as a form of meditation for me, allowing me to calm my mind and find clarity in the face of challenges. It has been essential in helping me navigate the emotional turmoil of my mother’s changing condition. I’ve captured this journey through photographs, transforming our struggles into visual reminders of resilience and gratitude. Each image tells a story, serving as a testament to the bond we share and the lessons learned along the way.
I hope these photos honor our experiences and raise awareness about dementia. It’s a condition that can affect anyone, and I want to encourage others to be vigilant and proactive. With early and proper care, the progression of vascular dementia can be managed effectively. Our little family—just my mother and me—represents the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of optimism in the face of adversity. Through this project, I aim to inspire others to cherish their loved ones and to remain hopeful.
For nine long months, we fought through the worst of it together, and with proper treatments and therapies, her condition improved significantly.
Yoese Miriam
What inspired you to grapple with dementia?
As an only child, I have lived about 300 km away from my mother since I started working. She resides in a small town, while I live in a metropolitan city. My mother has always been active and healthy, so I never had to worry about her well-being. However, everything changed when she began falling frequently and was diagnosed with vascular dementia. Now, I must balance caring for her with my job, all while living in different cities. This shift has significantly altered the rhythm of my life, as I juggle responsibilities and adjust to new challenges.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
My perspective on vascular dementia changed dramatically when my mother was diagnosed. Faced with this new reality and my own limitations, I had to quickly adapt to the situation. The disease profoundly alters the rhythm of our lives, especially when we are unprepared and never imagined we would face such a situation. My goal is to encourage others to recognize and understand dementia’s impact.
How has Another Room been received?
An early version of this collection was presented at a photo essay workshop where the audience response was very positive. They encouraged me to continue the project, suggesting it should expand beyond our small family and include the experiences of other dementia sufferers. In Indonesia, awareness of dementia is still limited.
Many people view cognitive decline as a normal part of aging, especially in the elderly. However, dementia is becoming increasingly common in younger individuals. This project aims to raise awareness and shift perceptions about dementia and early-onset dementia in Indonesia. Highlighting that dementia is a broader societal challenge that deserves attention and understanding.
I hope my work on vascular dementia reaches all levels of society. For both my mother and me, it serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there are many blessings and strengths to be found. We choose to believe that, after every storm, there will always be a rainbow.
Find more from Yoese Miriam on her website and Instagram.
