In Search for Meaning

Felisa Tan (b. 1993–) is a self-taught artist-photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Beginning with making photographs at home and posting them regularly on DeviantArt in 2007, photography has become a language she chooses to express her love for the world with. Having been exposed to extensive travels to over 50 countries since a tender age, she has developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, and created a record of the way she experiences the world as she undergoes a continuous process of evolution, both as an artist and a human being.

Honouring beauty as it is, she aims to keep her work as accurate as possible to her real-life encounters. The breadth of her subjects is a reflection of her sensitivity to perceive beauty, even in the most ordinary places. Through her work, she hopes to inspire her audience to pause and cherish the myriad blessings that might otherwise be left unnoticed in a world of noise.

In Search for Meaning Book Trailer

‘I have had the great pleasure of being able to see a preliminary copy of Ms Tan’s wonderful new book of photographs and writing: In Search of Meaning. Whether the image is a sea of naked Barbie Dolls, a wall of graffiti art, a woman hanging out laundry to dry, a purple vision of jellyfish, or magenta clouds over a dark sea, Felisa Tan’s images are a deep sharing of vision and mood! Her work is both an exploration of self through cognizant awareness of the world around us, and in her own words, “a tribute to light, the sense of sight, and the vision it gives, outside in. This work is none other than an invitation to see and experience life in all its unadulterated fullness, both outward, and above all, inward.’
—ALAN ROSS, international master photographer, photographic educator, former long-term assistant of Ansel Adams, exclusive printer of Yosemite Special Edition negatives since 1975

‘This book demonstrates what potential lies for creativity and insight in the fertile ground of open-mindedness. Felisa’s appreciation for different cultures and perspectives allows her to feel at ease and at home in the world—a true epitome of a global citizen. Different art forms merged so elegantly into one—photography, literature, and bookmaking—this work brings forth a very profound and important message that promotes unity and harmony with oneself and all others. I hope that this work can become an exemplary inspiration on how to see the world through a wider point of view for the young generation in the nation and the global community at large.’
—NYOMAN NUARTA, Indonesian contemporary sculptor, founder and owner of NuArt Sculpture Park (Bandung, Indonesia), conceptor and creator of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (Bali, Indonesia)

‘When you see a Felisa Tan photograph, something connects. It feels universal yet personal, just as the images seem as concerned with the suggestion of what is not in the frame as what is. Bombarded with imagery in our lives, these have a seemingly effortless ability to engage you, tapping into your subconscious. Silent and spontaneous observations of what we routinely pass by or even dismiss—they are both empirical and enquiring. Felisa creates a visual poem for us to linger upon, reawakening ourselves and asking us to look again. It is a bit like déjà vu, reminding you of something that was already yours. Later, your mind casts back and you realize that the images are etched indelibly. They are still there, still communicating—formulae and stereotypes become victims as optimism and liberation prevail.’
—JEREMY HORNER, leading documentary photographer, former regular contributor at publications such as National Geographic, GEO, and Condé Nast Traveler, author of Island Dreams: Mediterranean and Nirvana

‘Twelve years ago I had a chance meeting with curator and author William Fox. He looked at my work, then asked, “Show me something that can’t be seen.” I pondered this question overnight, thinking Bill had had too much wine and surely I had to see it if I was going to photograph it… Eventually, the penny dropped. He was asking me to photograph an emotion, an idea; what was physically in front of me didn’t matter. That was the greatest leap forward I have had in photography. It is that very notion that I observe in Felisa’s work. She has created the book I have always wanted to make. The work is strong emotionally, clever in its simplicity and speaks of our relationship with nature. The hand of man prevalent in all but a few images—it is an enlightened contemporary diary of her travels, thoughts, and vision. Felisa has shown us something that can’t be seen.’
—CHRISTIAN FLETCHER, award-winning landscape photographer and gallery owner based in Southwestern Australia, author of West: Photographs of Western Australia

‘Felisa Tan’s work will inspire joy and appreciation in the human heart. When you connect to this book you are left deeply curious about the world around you; your concerns fall away to allow you to connect to the true beauty and wonder that exist here in the present moment.’
—LODRO RINZLER, author of The Buddha Walks into a Bar, Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher, co-founder of MNDFL meditation studios in NYC

Binding: Hardbound
ISBN: 978-1-957183-01-5
Pages: 152pp
Publication Date: February 2023
Size: 7.87” x 11.42” Portrait
World Rights: Available