IIYPF 2026 Features 220 Photographers from 13 Countries

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The 2026 Indonesia International Youth Photo Festival (IIYPF) presents an international photography exhibition featuring the work of 220 young photographers from 13 countries.

From February 5-14, 2026, the RJ Katamsi Gallery of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta hosted the exhibition, featuring works from Indonesia, Brazil, Cyprus, Egypt, Oman, the Philippines, Romania, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, and Vietnam.

"This year's theme is 'Visual Symphony: Melodies of the World in a Frame," encompassing natural beauty (landscapes), portraits of human life, architecture and urban dynamics, macro photography, visual abstraction, and moments of transition and reflection," said Maghfira Aulia Adha, a committee member and IIYPF exhibition participant, in Bantul on Friday, February 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She explained that the festival originated from an idea of the Photography Student Association (HMJ), which had previously organized "Jogja Photo Week" (JPW), a collective exhibition of student activity units (UKM).

"The Federation of Indonesian Photography Study Associations (FPSI) developed this idea into a large-scale international event, which led to the creation of the IIYPF," she said.

She explained that the IIYPF aims to provide a space for young photographers under the age of 25, both from Indonesia and abroad, to showcase and develop their work. She mentioned that exhibitors come from various age groups, including junior high and high school students.

"Seeing the participants' enthusiasm when they learned their work was selected for the exhibition was rewarding. Although this event still has many shortcomings, I hope it has achieved its goals," she said.

Ersi (21), a visitor, found the IIYPF exhibition interesting because it showcased photography on a national scale, inspiring her future work. "This exhibition is interesting because it showcases national-level photography, so it can inspire my future work," she said.

The 2026 IIYPF exhibition is open to the public and will be held in two locations: the RJ Katamsi Gallery and the Pandeng Gallery, both at ISI Yogyakarta. ***