Pacu jawi

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Photographer

Paolo Messina
Date of Photograph

17 NOV 2012
Technical Info

Canon EOS 1Ds MK2
Website

http://paolomessina.com/blog

The pacu jawi(cow race) originated in the Minankabau region of West Sumatra. It is held on rice fields as a celebration or auspice of good harvests and possibly increase the value of well performing cows and bulls. Jockeys also bite the animals’ tail to increase speed.

Biography

Born in Bergamo, Italy on the 8th August 1975 in a catholic family. Studied chemistry. In 1998, after the military service, left Italy, family, religion and chemistry and went to London, UK for a 3-month English course. Discovered photography and stayed another 10 years. Started my factotum photographic career in photolabs, retouching companies, restaurants, studios, image libraries, local newspapers, bars... Moved to Munich, Germany in 2010 (where I now reside) and discovered CGI for a living and alternate documentary to it. Currently, still wishing to do the other way around.