Profile
About the Artist
Rikii Altamirano is a Timorese documentary photographer whose practice engages deeply with space, place and cultural identity. Born in Timor-Leste and currently based in the southwest of England. Rikii brings a personal perspective to his work, shaped by his heritage and a commitment to amplifying stories from within his own community.
Since 2016, Rikii has worked professionally in photography and completed his BA in Photography at the University of Plymouth, 2025. His visual practice is grounded in careful observation and ethical storytelling, using photography to reflect on resilience, belonging and the lived experiences of Timorese people.
His work is led by an artistic vision that considers the psychological and historical weight of geography, particularly in relation to postcolonial legacies. Rikii explores how colonial histories have influenced the physical and cultural landscapes of Timor-Leste and how these effects continue to shape the present.
Through natural light, environmental portraiture and a reflective documentary style, Rikii captures the endurance of individuals and communities in the face of political and geographic marginalisation. His projects explore the delicate balance between change and continuity, providing nuanced and powerful insights into identity and cultural survival in postcolonial contexts.



Artistic Vision: Space, Place, and Social Consciousness
Education
Ma-Fine Art Photography, UWE, 2026 (ongoing)
BA Photography with Honours, University of Plymouth, 2025
HND Photography with Distinction, City of Bristol College, 2024
HNC Photography, City of Bristol College, 2023
Exhibitions
British Journal of Photography, "Portrait of Britain Vol. 8" and JCDecaux UK (Public Screen Space-UK), 2026
Triesta Photo Days by Urban Photo Awards, Italy, 2025
AOP Finalist Show, 2025
Thelma & Hulbert Gallery Open Call (Honiton), 2025, Group Show
Bridgy Gallery, The Penn Berkeley Prize, 2025
Roseberry Road Studios, "Habitat", 2025 
HND Group, End of the Exhibition (2024), City of Bristol College
LAO RAI, Group Exhibition (2024), Long Ashton Community Centre
HNC Group, End of the Year Show (2023) COBC.

Award Achievements
Winner of Portrait of Britain Vol. 8, 2025
IPA 3rd place, student category, 2025 self-published book
Photoslovo Honourable Mention, Documentary Category. 2025
Wex Video, Human Impact Award, 2025
City of Darwin, Excellent Award, 2024. 

Books & Publications
Ema Diak, Rise, 2025 (Self-Published Hardcover Book)
Find My Connection, 2024 (Self-Published Zine)
Lao Rai, 2024 (Self-Published Book)
Luis, 2023 (Self-Published Zine).
Appeared in Book Publications:
URBAN Unveils the City and its Secrets - Vol. 11
AOP 40th Anniversary Awards, 2025
Portrait of Britain Vol. 8, 2025
Digital Presence:
https://gridphotogallery.com/photographer/rikii-altamirano/
https://independent-photo.com/photographer/rikii-altamirano/https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/inspiring-photographers-shortlisted-for-portrait-of-britain
https://www.lensculture.com/rikii-altamirano
Back to Top