Nisa R.A is a visual artist who focuses on women’s issues and intergenerational gaps. She works across Visual Arts, Photography & Film. Nisa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Cultural Studies at Sanata Dharma University, where her research examines the bodies of women in Aceh and the discourses of fear surrounding them. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Film and Television from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Nisa is an active contributor to the creative industry through her involvement with Melantang Cinema Production House. Her work has been exhibited at prominent venues such as Objectifs Gallery in Singapore, LASALLE College of the Arts, Cemeti Art Institute, the French Institute in Yogyakarta, and the Tembi Museum. Nisa’s artistic practice is dedicated to addressing societal issues and advancing discussions on women’s experiences and intergenerational disparities.
In “Babysitting,” I explore the mechanisms and forces that cause young girls in Aceh to mature prematurely within the household. This series is a visual discourse on the intersection of power, knowledge, and the body, where the transition from childhood to adulthood is shortened by socio-cultural imperatives and economic demands.
Entering the domestic spaces of these young brides, the palpable absence of mature guardians cannot be ignored. This absence is not merely a physical void but a manifestation of deeper societal and governmental deficiencies. This work was undertaken alongside my parents, both of whom are nutritionists. In the process, we inadvertently assumed the role of temporary caretakers—a role that underscores the temporary nature and inadequacy of such interventions. The title “Babysitting” captures this temporary nature while critiquing the systemic failures that necessitate it.
This series explores the daily lives of these girls, contrasting their enforced maturity with the remnants of their lost childhood. Each image serves as an artifact of social control which turned into a horror story, illustrating a life accelerated towards adulthood and normalizing their early transition into marital roles. The concept of “Babysitting” extends to a broader critique of social structures that commodify and regulate female bodies under the guise of what they call “Acehnese”. These young brides are stuck in a web of power relations that dictate their roles, limit their potential, and hinder their freedom. Their lives testify to the pervasive violence—both overt and insidious—they endure, from domestic abuse to malnutrition and inadequate reproductive healthcare.
“Babysitting” calls for dismantling these social regimes and envisioning a world where child-rearing is a collective responsibility, supported by strong and compassionate social systems. Through these images, I aim to raise critical awareness and foster a discourse that challenges the normalization of such practices. This series is a catalyst for change, urging us to reconsider our collective obligations in raising and protecting the next generation.
