Stacii Samidin

Black and white photographer Stacii Samidin's debut captures the raw lives of minorities and the oppressed, challenging perceptions and urging acceptance through unflinching photography that amplifies unheard voices.

During his teenage years, Stacii Samidin (1987, Rotterdam) had difficulty conforming to the world around him. Being labeled by stereotypes and feeling unheard himself, Hip Hop and radicalism became his allies. He started documenting his environment without the intent of becoming a photographer. This came to the attention of a professional documentary photographer who introduced him to the field. Shortly after, Samidin got the opportunity to exhibit his first series Moluccans in The Netherlands (2011), a controversial subject about the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) youth, in the Nederlands Fotomuseum. From that moment on Samidin understood the power of his medium. Photography became his language and it continues to have a tremendous influence on his personal life and strong work ethic.

Becoming the first gang photographer of The Netherlands was his goal until he was yet again confronted by stereotypical labels and started travelling extensively. This developed the desire to question one’s truth. Studying the relationship between the character of a person and its environment. Offering a platform for open and honest dialogue. A broader motive came to life: Societies (2008).