Urban Cultural Representation in Student Photography: A Case Study of the “Warna-Warni Jakarta” Exhibition

This study examines the representation of urban culture in student photography showcased in the "Warna-Warni Jakarta" exhibition as a visual medium rich in social and symbolic meanings. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach and case study method with Roland Barthes’ semiotic analysis, this research aims to identify the visual elements used by students, interpret the implied cultural meanings, and understand young people's perspectives in interpreting the realities of Jakarta. Data were collected through direct observation of the exhibited works, in-depth interviews with student photographers and visitors, and visual documentation. The findings reveal that student photography does not merely present aesthetic beauty, but also voices social criticism, displays community solidarity, and reflects inequality within urban society. Through visual symbols such as street murals, cramped spaces, and citizen activities, students construct an inclusive and reflective cultural narrative. In this context, photography serves as an effective and strategic tool of cultural communication that contributes to shaping the collective consciousness of urban dwellers.