Since 2008, the biennial Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) has been a must-go event for photography enthusiasts and curious passers-by alike. As one of Southeast Asia's longest-running photography festivals, SIPF serves as a dynamic platform for artists to push their boundaries and tell compelling stories through still images, and get inspired by fellow international artists.
Focus on local photographers: Meet the 5 Singaporean artists shining at Singapore International Photography Festival 2024
LISTICLES
04 November 2024
By Rytasha Passion Raj
Event Details
18 Oct 2024 (Fri) - 24 Nov 2024 (Sun)
120A PRINSEP STREET SINGAPORE 187937
For its 9th edition this year, the festival explores the theme "In Search of Lost Time", encouraging artists to delve into their most cherished memories and reflections. The result? A stunning collection of poignant photographs that not only mesmerise but also carry powerful messages to spark societal change. Several of these works even combine photography with mixed media, elevating the artistry to a whole new level.
At the core of SIPF is its “Open Call Showcase” featuring new works from the global arts community. It includes two categories: Portfolio Showcase and Photobook Showcase. This year, SIPF hit a milestone with a record 638 portfolio submissions and 220 photobook entries from 61 and 38 countries respectively. Among the 21 and 48 shortlisted candidates for each category, a total of five talented Singapore photographers stand out, proudly representing our nation.
Catch takes a closer look at these five moving stories, which will undoubtedly evoke a sense of pride and awe.
1. “CONFRONTATION OF THE ABSENT HERO” BY QUINN LUM
This series titled “Confrontation of The Absent Hero” stemmed from artist Quinn Lum’s profound childhood memories and lingering fear of failure. It features a man donned in a homemade superhero costume, shielding his true identity. Through these striking images, Lum depicts his longing for a hero to rescue him from life's challenges, and invites viewers to explore and resonate with his psyche and vulnerability as he confronts his trauma head on.
As a firm believer in the transformative power of the arts, Lum seeks to elevate awareness of personal histories and foster healing through this series. As you engage with his works, you are encouraged to ponder the messages woven into the artwork and reflect on your own journey toward empowerment.
With this potent call-to-action and unorthodox approach to photography, it’s no wonder that Lum was the one and only Singapore artist handpicked to showcase his works in the 9th SIPF Portfolio Showcase category.
2. “FLOWER NO FLOWER, 花非花” BY CHAN JIA YING
Building on her A-level coursework, artist Chan Jia Ying takes a conceptual approach to unveil the hidden aspects of her childhood marked by countless medical check-ups in her series “Flower No Flower, 花非花”. Her photographs serve as a powerful reminder of quiet strength, weaving together a visual narrative of endurance and triumph for this Photobook Showcase submission.
Having faced various health challenges since childhood, Chan uses her camera as both a witness and confidant to reveal her lived experiences. Her works vividly portray the impact of her routine check-ups and the tumultuous journey through puberty, which left her feeling disconnected from societal notions of 'normalcy' and 'beauty'.
These themes intensify her struggle with identity as a young woman grappling with health issues, making her art a powerful cipher for the complex emotional landscape of this experience that women can resonate with.
3. “OVID’S FASTI” BY ALVIN NG
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Italy, “Ovid’s Fasti” is a mesmerising series by artist Alvin Ng that brings to life the poems and epic tales of Roman Gods as envisioned by the celebrated poet Ovid. His ethereal artworks invite viewers into a realm where the beauty of the present meets the magic of ancient Rome, through scattered ruins and surreal landscapes, and guided by the poet’s evocative verses.
Through hand-manipulated photographs, Ng makes the viewing experience all the more enchanting. These works transport you to a magical world that not only invites exploration but also encourages deep reflection on the stories and histories that shaped our cultural landscape, making the piece yet another remarkable entry in the Photobook Showcase category.
4. “SING ME TO SLEEP, I LOVE YOU” BY TAY YILING
Artist Tay Yiling, also known as “ariatays”, is a visual artist and writer whose work spans photography, performance and poetry. Her practice delves into themes of humanity, intimacy, gender and vulnerability, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences to explore mankind’s inner lives and everyday encounters.
In her photobook entry "sing me to sleep, i love you", Yiling plays with null space to create a sort of time capsule and reminder to both hold on and let go. The piece is her form of self-expression, informed by love, loss, grief and desire. Through evocative imagery, she confronts the complexities of vulnerability, turning her experiences into a powerful form of self-portraiture, inviting viewers to connect with her intimate story.
5. “妈妈，我到家了 (MUMMY, I'M HOME)” BY CHUEN KAH JUN
妈妈，我到家了 (Mummy, I’m home) is a photobook entry by artist Chuen Kah Jun that delves into the nuanced relationship between a mother and her son, capturing their dynamics with raw authenticity. It reflects a deep yearning for love and connection, akin to a child's cry for their mother, while exploring themes of fear of abandonment and uncertainty.
Through intimate self-portraits, Chuen confronts vulnerability, creating a powerful link between his physical self and the spaces of his home where his mother’s presence is most felt. The book also features text messages from his mother, frequently asking when he will come home, alongside tender moments shared with his then-partner. Overall, the piece weaves together a narrative of intimacy, identity and the deep ties of familial love.
Image credits: Hiro Tanaka, Quinn Lum, Chan Jia Ying, Alvin Ng, Tay Yiling, Chuen Kah Jun
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