The following are photographs and a video that I composed but did not curate for submission.

Check out the submitted works here.

Title: “Naik Puncak Gunung” (“Climbing Mt. Puncak”)
Objective: I love aerial shots but can’t afford a helicopter. Played with manual zooming and tilting. To open with a zoom in so viewers have no idea what’s happening but focus on the camera tilting. This camera movement allows audience to understand the folk song and partake in the journey of “climbing up” Mt. Puncak. Upon reaching the peak, the zoom out gives a bigger picture and a sense of fulfilment.
Why it didn’t make the cut: Frankly, I was embarrassed. I had put in a lot of effort in constructing the picture and kept losing my balance operating the camera. I was not sure if english-speaking viewers will be guided by the camera movement and understand this childhood song or if they would think it is plain rubbish. In retrospect, I should have just put it out there and test waters. Anyway, I had submitted a recording of a monologue (“Portia”) so there is no point fearing my own voice.

 

Title: “Elements in Order”
Objective: This was taken in the newly opened National Art Gallery in Singapore. I aimed to depict a sense of balance with the presence of elements like water, earth (greenery) and concrete; and a competitiveness with clean lines and form around.
Why it didn’t make the cut: Submitted photo titled “Forward Looking” had similar elements, plus an optimism with the inclusion of a human subject.

 

Title: “Death”
Objective: To show frailty, vulnerability and the acceptance of life and death.
Why it didn’t make the cut: There is not much context to give from my personal experiences. So I thought it less relevant as a self-portrait. However, I am mystified by butterflies and moths as symbols for metamorphosis and a vessel for spirits of loved ones.

 

Title: “The Luggage and its Banana”
Objective: My family and I are like nomads. We did not plan to but life had us moving form house to house. So I chose the luggage as a prop, symbolic to travel, transition and homelessness. My family members are funny so to create humour, the luggage has been placed at a park to feel out of place. The banana is there for added humour. I really like how the passers-by are busy and ignore the props, adding to an awkwardness.
Why it didn’t make the cut: It was very hard to drop these 3 photos, especially the middle one with the lady’s funny walk. I spent a long day at this location exploring different angles and positions. However, the audience doesn’t care about the process if the product is bad. After considering for a long time, I submitted the photo “Nomads” instead because it has a more obvious playful tone.

These are a couple others from the “Luggage Series”:

Title: “Balancing Act”
Why it didn’t make the cut: I want its seat to be higher so the luggage looks like it’s playing but was not able to make it happen.

Title: “Company”
Objective: I want humour but this seems more lonely than funny.

Title: “Vast”
Objective: I didn’t plan, simply took a picture of what’s beautiful. I love the colour gradient of the sky and how the land is swallowed in darkness. Melbourne must be the only city in the world where you can see the vast sky.
Why it didn’t make the cut: Can’t say it’s a “self portrait” cos a strong connection between the subject and my life is absent.

Check out the pieces that did make the cut here.