Intersection between Heaven & Hell
Deep within the fiery depths of the Ijen volcano on the Indonesian island of Java, a living hell unfolds each day. Here, workers brave the toxic heart of the crater, risking their lives to carve out sulfur – their only means to feed and sustain their families. But what does life truly look like for those who endure such relentless hardships?
For two days, we walked alongside these unsung heroes, the sulfur piercers of Indonesia, capturing their struggle, their courage, and their humanity. Through their eyes, we unveil a story of resilience forged in smoke and fire – a story the world must see.
Some Outtakes
You must understand—despite the hardships they face every single day, these people laughed more freely, more genuinely, than most I've ever met. Their warmth, their humor, their resilience—it was because of them that this shoot became unforgettable.
We shared laughter, stories, and fleeting moments that bridged worlds. They opened their lives to us, letting us in, and for a brief time, we helped them escape the weight of their reality.
Not every shoot is flawless, and this one was no exception. But in its imperfections, in the raw, unpolished authenticity of it all, we found something truly perfect.
Sulfur Mine In The Crater
The first glimpse of the mine and the crater was nothing short of surreal—a haunting beauty that took our breath away. It was special, yes, but it carried an undercurrent of something deeply unsettling.
We thought we knew what to expect, had prepared ourselves for what lay ahead. But standing there, face to face with that otherworldly abyss, was an entirely different reality.
The air was thick with silence, a quiet that pressed against us like a living thing. And yet, in that stillness, there was a staggering intensity—an atmosphere so profound it seemed to echo with the weight of countless untold stories.
The Life Around
Life in the shadow of Mount Ijen is a delicate dance with fear. The volcano, still very much alive, last roared to life around the year 2000, its unpredictable power a constant threat. Yet, its ash feeds the land, enriching the rice fields that sustain the communities around it—a cruel paradox of creation and destruction.
But fear doesn’t end there. The work itself is a relentless gamble with death. Each day, lives are risked, and every year, lives are lost.
The air is a merciless enemy, filled with toxic gases that scorch the throat and sear the eyes. Months in, the senses of smell and taste fade into memory, leaving only the harsh reality of survival in a place where danger is as natural as the air you breathe.