Batara Indra Soepraba - Documentary and Visual Anthropologist

Batara Indra Soepraba, professionally known as Mister Obat, is an Indonesian-American visual anthropologist and documentarian currently based in South London. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he brings a unique perspective to his work, blending academic rigor with commercial creative experience. He holds an MA in Visual Anthropology from the University of Manchester and a BA in International Development from the University of California, Berkeley. Soepraba’s practice centers on documenting themes of identity and memory through various media, primarily photography and film. His professional background includes a significant tenure as the Operations & Marketing Manager for Ageless Galaxy, an Indonesian streetwear brand and creative agency. In this role, he collaborated with major global brands such as adidas, Mercedes-Benz, Four Seasons Hotel, Patta Amsterdam, and Staple Pigeon. This experience has informed his current work as a creative partner for commercial and editorial clients, where he functions as both a documentarian and a problem solver. His work has received significant recognition, including being shortlisted for the 13th Annual Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) in 2024 and being selected for the Manchester Open 2024. His solo showcase, Lusting to Wander, was exhibited in Manchester in 2024, and he has participated in the Indonesia Photo Fair and the Solo Photo Festival. His projects often involve documenting community-focused subjects, such as his work with the Manchester-based brand Cerebral Clothing and the Indonesian band Elephant Kind.