Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

Prior to the launch of Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition, House of VSE, together with artist Wei, had been releasing snippets of this upcoming exhibition. Personally, I was looking forward to this exhibition, the title, theme and descriptions are sending me the Whispers, something that can help to unlock some of the situations that I am facing. 

I registered for the preview, that took place on my birthday, kind of significant that both events were together on the same day. Let me bring you on a journey into Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition. 

Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together

A unique light art exhibition through twelve light artworks that unfold through light, colour, and subtle movement, Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together inside this artwork space. 

This artistic experiential journey doesn’t require you to complete it, or you have to understand everything quickly. They invite you to pay attention, to yourself, the small shifts inside your mind and soul, the transitions, and to being present feeling your rhythm with the artworks and space.

Do not rush, take your time to embark on your own Whispers journey inside the art space, inside your heart, mind and soul. Observe every details from the tangibles, to the intangibles, around you, inside of you. They might just Whispers something back to you, revealing reflections. 

Hear the Whispers from Artist Wei of VSE

Reading artist Wei words on his Whispers artwork exhibition, this goes beyond the tangible aspects of a physical artwork, it’s the journey that leads us there, the inner world that only we ourselves can see. 

The Whispers that you encounter from the words, feelings and emotions from each of the twelve artworks, this is a process of listening to your own journeys inside, it’s recalibrating, and learning to remain gentle as you continue your journeys moving forward. 

We can only see the superficial, the external facades, tangible side of things. The journey that you undertaken, is the inner soul inside you. Whispers doesn’t end at your visit inside this living light art exhibition. Your journey continues on, in yourself, and also to the rest of the visitors that enter inside and embark on their own Whispers journey. 

More than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

There are more than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition (VSE), presented with Byra. There are also two programmes planned, one is a workshop, the other is a unique dining experience. 

Whispers: Ritual of Calm – Workshop

A meditative art workshop that combines art and beauty care, VSE artist Wei and Byra Beauty’s philosophy of calm as a state of being. This is held as part of Whispers exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 31st January 2026
• Price: SGD $90 / pax

Limited Seats!

Beauty Table: A Calm-Centred Dining Ritual for Brighter Skin

A special dining event held alongside “Whispers” exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026, an intimate dining experience where art, calm, and food comes together for a unique experience. 

• Date: 21st January 2026
• Price: $79 nett / pax 

Limited seats! Only 9 seats available!

The Whispers that Spoke to Me

Embarking on this Whispers journey with a number of things going through my mind, it feels like entering my inner brain and mind (the artwork installation), trying to find my way out of this journey, guided by the twelve light artworks telling me their stories, feelings, thoughts and experiences. 

There are some artworks that I can relate to, there are others that give me new perspectives and directions to look at, as I explored Whispers living light artwork. Returning from this Whispers journey, it was therapeutic, taking it slow and letting some of my ongoing stress and pressure out as a caregiver that I recently have to shoulder on, an invisible heavyweight shoulders, the invisible immense stress and pressure piling on top. 

A personal journey that only I can take, how many would be able to empathise and relate? While I continue to seek my own journey, solutions and plans, I did mange to find some peace and tranquility time at Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. 

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition Information

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. Brought to you by Byra and House of VSE, part of SAW Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 16th January to 1st February 2026
• Venue: GTCL Wellness Sanctum, E-Center@Redhill #02-03

Admission by RSVP (limited spaces available), visit the URL below on their websites and social media platforms. 

• Byra website: https://byrabeauty.com/pages/rituals 
• House of VSE: https://www.instagram.com/houseofvse/ 
• Very Small Exhibition: https://www.instagram.com/verysmallexhibition/  

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Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

There are still a few ongoing photography competitions/contests in September 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in September 2025.

Experience More with Capture SG60 by RSP & HONOR

HONOR recently launched a foldable smartphone, HONOR Magic V5, and this is Singapore’s SG60 birthday year, HONOR is celebrating this milestone by inviting the public to photograph Singapore’s city architectural journey, from iconic landmarks to everyday spaces. 

This photography competition is jointly organised by HONOR and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. If you are keen to know more and participate ,visit  https://rsp.design/capturesg60/ and find out more information and details.

Alan Photo Competition – Catch the Moment

Alan Photo Singapore announced a photo completion titled, “Catch the Moment”, inviting photographers to show a side of Singapore that most people never notice. That sounds like a pretty nice theme to participate in, showcasing many different sights and views of Singapore that most people never notice.

The competition period is from 1 – 30 September 2025, if you are keen to participate or find out more information, you can check out Alan Photo social media pages. I am going to enter and see how it goes for me.

Exhibitions 

NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar – Not a winner | A Photograph on Display

The NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar took place on 23rd August 2025, I attended the Montage 2025 seminar, listening to talks by professionals, photo exhibition and prize presentation.

The winning entries for NUSPS Montage 2025 were on display at Montage 2025 Seminar, together with the other top entries for this photo competition. Although I didn’t win any prizes at Montage 2025 photo competition, I did have a photograph printed on display at NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar. 

Overall, a small consolation and recognition, this was also a good experience for me participating in Montage 2025 photo competition, a great NUSPS Montage 2025 seminar lineup of speakers, and last but not least, catching up with friends from Canon Singapore and photographer friends from various photography groups in Singapore, friends from the former Canon EOS World community, KOMMUNITY, and SG Storm Trackers.  

More personal insights and thoughts from NUSPS Montage 2025 photo competition and Montage 2025 seminar can be found in my article.

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 in October 2025

I am still waiting for more information and details on the 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 that is taking place in October 2025. Keep a lookout for their event!

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Working towards my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am working towards and closer to my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, writing down more ideas and inspirations. There are two ideas/plans in my mind as follows below:

1) Notebook A5 size

My first idea/plan to get an existing notebook A5 size, curating my 60 photographs to mark SG60 celebrations, this would more handicraft and hands on making a zine style photo book. Not likely to be in mass production, more of on a request/order basis for friends and supporters, whether based in Singapore or overseas.

2) Photography Zine with design and layout 

The second would be designed with layout for printing and sale on ad-hoc basis or in bulk printing, along the A5 notebook size. This would allow me to have a discussion with publishers or photography printing houses, and also place my photography zine in their library.

Ready for Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

The early migratory birds have started arriving in Singapore, some are earlier than expected. I am ready for migratory bird photography season starting in September 2025 leading up to Q1 2026. Making plans to visit various nature reserves and parks for migratory bird photography, as well as nature, landscape, creating travel articles and my own nature and outdoors therapy with my photography. 

Looking forward to add more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

A fruitful month of August 2025 in the heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector. At this moment, they are more of a personal visual storytelling and documentation. I do hope there would be some of renumeration/commissioned work would materialise down the road with some of those heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

Discussions on doing more, collaborating with other like-minded heritage, culture and arts advocates in other fields are still ongoing. When it starts to gain more traction, I would share more details. Meanwhile, keep a lookout for more visual stories of my heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

The State of the Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors in Singapore

In August 2025, The Projector suddenly announced its closure, sending shock waves, disappointments, a wake up call and a reality check for arts, culture, creatives, filmmakers, photographers, media production and those working in related industries. 

From the costs of running a business in Singapore (let alone a business in the arts, creatives, cultural industry), changing media landscape, the types of entertainment and media we are consuming in today’s climate. Too many “things” that distract us, from toys to online streaming, what is our state of the arts, creative and culture sectors in Singapore?

Are we doing enough, or do we have to lose it before we start to appreciate, is it too late and too little? While I am not most immersed into independent films, their influence and impacts on the arts, culture and creatives have an impact on developing my creative aspects in my visual storytelling and writing.

Personally, it can be difficult to prioritise which areas of arts, creative and culture sectors that we want to be interested in and be a part of. Once we put our time and money into a few of them, others might get neglected, and when another bites the dust, we also feel the disappointment that we haven’t done enough to spend some time and our monetary support there.

There are also arts, culture and creative sectors that are getting the support and attendance. It’s such a mixed bag on two ends of the spectrum, some have it better, how many are struggling? How many more of those “another one bites the dust” before we wake up and support our local arts, creative, and culture sectors in Singapore better, with our time and wallet?

Of Many Thoughts and Views

Experiencing two different sides of the stories in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors, I have many thoughts and views, I might write it down more personal and in-depth.

Reflecting deeply, where and how I could adapt, the delicate balance between revenue from photography work to personal visual storytelling and documentation? Where and how I can help and support each other in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors in Singapore? 

Many thoughts and views to ponder deeply, planning, changing and strategising ahead.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for September 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

While I am soaking in the year end festivities, I wasn’t too much into photographing those Christmas tree light up decorations like before. Therefore, I am using back my old Christmas tree photograph that I shot in Hokkaido from a few years back in 2016. I am going to slow down, take a bit of rest break during the final week 52 of year 2023, I would also try to clear as many backlogs that I have on hand in my visual storytelling, photography, travel, food, history, heritage, culture and arts segments. Leading up to the start of 2024, I am going into reflection and review mode, as well as strategic planning and directions for year 2024 in my photography, travel, content creation and creative sectors. 

As this is also the year end bird migration season, during the last week of 2023 rest break, I am going into the outdoors, parks, coastal areas etc for some hiking in the outdoors and bird photography action. 

Last but not least, thank you for your support for my photography, travel and writing for Year 2023! Wishing all a Merry Christmas 2023 and Happy Holidays! Have a good year end holiday break and festivities! 

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Tension by House of VSE

The key themes of “Tension”, “Expose”, “Pull”, and “Skin Deep”, what comes to your mind? From a personal daily perspective, work or artistic perspective, what does each word means to you? A truly amazing art experience and exhibition that is at the highest level of international Biennale arts standard, invoking an inner spirit inside us, challenging our human perception, and connections, with life, living, society, culture, arts and many other areas.

On a personal. professional and creative (as a photographer, visual storyteller, writer myself) note, I had a (almost personalised) very immersive, interactive, experimental hands on experience with the “artworks” and in-depth chats with the artists Wei and Karolina, as well as with Gary. 

“Tension” and “Expose”

My first phase of my experiences were getting to know about “Tension”, something that I am facing in multiple facades across various front, from personal, to the running of my photography business, as a creative in a judgemental, digital/social media world, against people who judge me and like to tell me what to do/what I must do, and many more. 

Have I “Expose” myself to my own vulnerabilities that I faced from my exposure to other people, society, from my own personal and professional challenges to improve and breakthrough my limitations, capabilities and boundaries? Where can I go from here? How can I move on to the next few levels while facing the onslaught of “Tension” from the outside world?

Beginning of Something Experiential? 

While I was immersing myself, exploring into the various arts experiences, I slowly returned back to the real world. It’s not over yet, this is just the beginning of something experiential (and maybe something more of an artistic/creative enlightenment), I would explore further and deeper into the key themes of “Tension”, “Expose”, “Pull”, and “Skin deep”, sharing more in-depth thoughts, feelings and emotions from myself, as well as getting artists Wei and Karolina thoughts and views on those key themes, in an upcoming article sometime down the road.

Tension is brought to you by House of VSE (@houseofvse), featuring artists Wei (@weidoesntmatter) and Karolina (@karolinaprom). If you like to experience this immersive, thought provoking, mind opening and interactive artistic world of Tension by House of VSE, please reach out to them!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

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Photographer/Creative profile questions

1) Can you give us a short introduction on yourself and your creative fields of expertise?

Hello, my name is Agan Harahap. Photographer and artist based in Jogja, Indonesia. My base artistic expertise is photography and digital manipulation. And recently I’m using AI for my latest artworks.

2) What is the inspiration and the stories behind your creative work?

I always get my inspiration from my timeline in social media. Mostly is about politic, religion and history. I offer some silly solution for many problems that appear in society.

3) Do you have a piece of creative artwork or photograph that means a lot to you? Can you share more about this artwork?

The artwork that means a lot for me is my series ‘Mardijker Photo Studio’. I’m talking about nation identity and cultural originality and it’s connections with our society today.

4) Can you share about your journey as a creative/artist? What were some of the challenges, difficulties and setbacks that you faced in your creative journey? 

Well, it’s start in early 2000s at the beginning of digital transitions from manual. When suddenly we can almost create anything with digital software. At that time I already work as a photographer in music magazine. And I always challenged my self to dig more about other possibilities with digital photography. Asking my self is photography still can believed as a medium that can represent the reality. 

5) I read that you started off as an illustrator and digital imaging artist, what are the stories behind these experiences and how did you transition to photography?

As a graphic designer student, I have also learn photography. At that time, I don’t like photography because its expensive and don’t make sense to me. Because at that time I think photography is only for the people who cannot make a proper drawing or painting to express their ideas. And photography is their solution to cover up their inability to make art. Hahaha. But I have to pass the photography test in my study. So I learn how to manipulate photo with digital software. And I pass the test with success. And after graduate, I worked as a freelance illustrator and then become a digital imaging artist in some photography company before I become photographer in Trax Magazine. A music based magazine in Jakarta from 2006 – 2012. 

Generative AI Interview Questions

6) A topic of intense discussion currently is Artificial Intelligence (AI), what are your personal views and thoughts on AI? What is the potential positive and negative impact on the creative industry?

Based on my experienced in early 2000s when digital suddenly takeover many part in creative industry, So for me this is the new era when we have to preparing our self to this new kind of technology. For me, the main impact is the people’s way of thinking and behavior about things will change. And it will become a problem for people who cannot adapt their selves to this AI. So, like it or not, after more than 2 years we stayed at home because of covid, now suddenly we have to face this kind of technology and we have to adapt and adjust our self with it.

7) Do you think Generative AI can actually help us creatives, artists and photographers in ways that we may not see due to our personal bias or blind spots? Or do you think the onslaught of Generative AI will be detrimental for creatives? 

Before AI can help us in creativity, we first have to adapt and adjust ourself. Because at first, we have to positioning ourself between this new technology and our personal and social interest. For me, it’s quite similar like digital photography at the beginning, at the first we may think ‘Oh, with this tools, we don’t need dark room process anymore and we can save more time to create photography. But in the reality, there are many other problems arise due to this digital technology. Like for example, people start to questioning the reality behind photography ect. And after social media era, there is much more problems. We can see the rapid change in many aspects of our live. And that’s exactly will going to happen in our society with this AI technology.

Generative AI will be detrimental for creatives? It’s depend on how you adapt yourself. 

8) Which segments of the creative and arts industry would be most impacted by Generative AI? Artists? Photographers? Filmmakers?

All.

9) Is Generative AI is going to take away the livelihood of the art and creative industries? What are your personal thoughts and views on this point?

At the beginning, the answer is yes. But along with that, the emergence of AI technology, it will open up many new opportunities that may have never been thought of.

10) How do you envision the future for creatives in a new digital and social media world, powered by AI?

Hahaha I can’t imagine it yet. But I believe, sooner or later this AI will change people’s mindset and behavior.

Thank you Agan!  

I would like to say a big thank you to Agan Harahap for putting aside his precious time and agreeing to be interviewed for my article! From a fellow photographer/visual storyteller myself to another fellow photographer/visual storyteller, it’s always an interesting, enriching and enlightening experience to hear about creative/artist/photographer different perspectives, ideas and views, on photography and creative industries, their stories and journeys. 

Agan’s views and perspectives on generative AI would be part of my ongoing TGH Technology AI research/learning series, with an upcoming special article coverage on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries that would be published on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. 

This special interview with Agan also marks the start of my new personal project series that I mentioned earlier in my earlier article “Reflecting H1 2023 & Q2 2023 (Photography and Travel)”, on interviewing and featuring creatives from various disciplines.

When you visit Singapore, let’s catch up and have a chat over coffee over everything and anything about photography!

Have you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition?

Have you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition? If you haven’t visit this amazing photography exhibition, you have to plan a visit to National Gallery Singapore and check out this exhibition! 

The exhibition size, magnitude, and diversity of photography works on display, some 300 of them would blow you away, ranging from colonial archival images, studio portraits, and documentary photography to photo albums, social media photos and modern photography in both offline and online formats.

Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia at National Gallery Singapore

Date and Time 

• 2nd December 2022 to 20th August 2023
• 10am to 7pm daily

Location 

• City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 

Admission Fees: (General Admission)

• Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Standard

• $20 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs aged 13 to 59

Concession

• $15 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs seniors (aged 65 & above) and children (aged 7 to 12)
• Overseas students and teachers

*I would like to thank National Gallery Singapore and Ogilvy for liaising and facilitating the interview with Agan Harahap.*  

The post A Special Visual Storyteller/Creative Artist Interview with Agan Harahap appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Who is Very Small Exhibition?

Artist Wei, the creative mind and soul behind Very Small Exhibition. You might have seen, heard or interacted with his colourful pop-up artworks display. My first experience with Very Small Exhibition was the Malay Heritage Centre x Very Small Exhibition supporting World Mental Health Day in 2021, followed by Bring LOVE Everywhere in Singapore at East Coast Park, the prelude to his huge personal project bringing LOVE around Singapore. 

As I continued to follow and document Very Small Exhibition through their Bring LOVE Everywhere in Singapore, I began a new artistic visual storytelling journey. If you to know more in detail on this, this story “How I Met/Follow/Support Very Small Exhibition & Bring LOVE Everywhere” would reveal more. 

Oh yes, you might have heard of this pretty recent viral contemporary arts exhibition that they worked and collaborated with Japanese artist Yui Ozaki, where they explored and discovered your inner “Chin-Chin” world.

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition

“Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition” is a new series of public space art exhibition by Artist Wei from Very Small Exhibition. They are going around Singapore at different neighbourhoods, collaborating with different artists at the respective neighbourhoods that they lived in. This is a pop-up artworks exhibition, just one night only each time. 

Just one night only, just a few hours, catch it if you can! With this “Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition”, it marks the start of another creative arts visual storytelling journey for me, I just hope that I am able to document and photograph all (if not most of them) of this ongoing Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition series artistic journeys by Very Small Exhibition. 

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 1

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 1 took place in the Mountbatten heartlands, at a small alley walkway in a private residential estate. A series of different coloured illuminated stones placed together in a wavy form, lighted up by the light emitting umbrellas, formed by artist Wei vision and feel. 

When you view the wavy colourful artworks, what could be story behind it? What does it mean to you? How does the various colours and artworks join from one to the other? Is it therapeutic for you to feel and connect with, by placing yourselves in between the two artworks and connect them together with you?

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 2

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 2 took place in the Simei HDB heartlands, with artist Joanne Lim from Joanne Lim Studio collaborating with artist Wei. 

The light emitting umbrellas came into play again, lighting up the drawings with chalk on the floor. This is Arts in Your Neighbourhood, it’s fun, interactive, letting people (from young and old) unleash their creativity and artistic talent in drawing with chalk. For some of us, it’s back to school days, for a younger generation, this might be the first time playing with chalk. 

Drawing and painting, whether with chalk, not only is it fun for the children, it’s also fun for the adults, that we saw when we were there. Arts can be a form of therapy, something that we might need it more than we ever know, in our stressful and pressure cooker living environment, swarmed by digital media and social media sharing.

It was more than just fun drawing, we met new people, make new friends, chatting and sharing a common interest in interactive arts and craft.

Since I am pretty bad at drawing, I will use my photography and visual storytelling talents instead, to bring out my creative arts visuals stories to the world. 

Is Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition coming to my neighbourhood?

That’s a very good question! I don’t have an answer to this question, I am just as curious as you, on when and where would Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition is going to visit, and is there any artist that is going to collaborate with Very Small Exhibition? 

Do remember to follow Very Small Exhibition on Instagram and Facebook Page, for their updates, where they are going to pop up with their bright, colourful and interactive artworks. 

Collaborate with Very Small Exhibition in my neighbourhood?

Should I collaborate with Very Small Exhibition as a collaborating artist, combining my photography + light painting with artist Wei’s bright and colourful artworks?

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Who is Yui Ozaki? 

Yui Ozaki is a Prague-based Japanese artist, her artworks express her playful and curious personality.

Yui-san loves to explore gender, sexuality and comedy through her artworks and in the form of various mediums. Her colourful visual artworks contain and deliver hidden meanings, allowing her to express her artistic vision and challenging the societal norms in the world of art. 

Yui-san uses her superpower humour to raise awareness about gender stereotypes, breaking down barriers to create a timeless and uninhibited connection with her audience of all ages. Her artworks serve as a form of commentary on the taboos that we see and feel in society today. She hopes to inspire people through her artworks to let it go, the inhibitions holding them back and embracing the inner creativity, inner playfulness, bringing out the fun and joy trapped inside them.

Through her contemporary and colourful artworks, she strives to spark meaningful conversations with her audience, encouraging viewers to question the status quo. 

Explore, Interact, Discover and Engage with Your Inner “Chin-Chin” World

The world we live in, the human race and we human beings have our own set of stereotypes, thinking, biases and mentality, from gender, culture to societal. How much do we know ourselves the biases that we have inside our heart, mind and soul without us really knowing or understanding the meanings behind it?

Through the contemporary art medium platform, this is the time for you to explore. We can learn and unlearn about our stereotypes, thinking and biases. Probably in everyone of us, we all have our own inner “Chin-Chin” world, that we may not have known or realised. Would you like to explore, interact and discover your inner “Chin-Chin” world? Once done, how would you like to engage with your inner “Chin-Chin” world?

Touch the cute piece of artwork hanging in the gallery, unzip it and discover for yourself, what is the message for you inside that artwork? 

When you enter into 7879 Gallery and Clayworks, you can’t miss this tall and big colourful rainbow artwork on the right side of the entrance. This is a hallmark of artist Wei from Very Small Exhibition, whose Bring LOVE Everywhere artwork attracted heartwarming support and fanfare (Check out my story on how I met/follow/support Very Small Exhibition and Bring LOVE Everywhere). 

Artists Yui and Wei combined their artistic talents and strengths together, to produce this iconic artwork symbol, bright, colourful, friendly and huggable. 

While you are reading the write-ups on the various contemporary artworks on display, I would like you to engage and interact with them. What are some of the societal thinking, biases, mentality and challenges in relation to gender and its stereotypes? 

How do you feel about the issues, the stereotypes and biases that are entrenched inside us? How can we take the steps to change for the better of ourselves, the society and the world?

Breaking through our own biases and stereotypes

Whether you are viewing Chin-Chin ちんちん – Yui Ozaki 2023 Art Exhibition in person at the gallery, or on social media platforms, when you are viewing the artworks for the very first time, there will be something that comes into your mind immediately, you know it yourself and I would let you decide for yourself how you want to describe your thoughts and experiences. 

We all have our own stereotypes and biases entrenched deeply inside us. We need to break through our own biases and stereotypes. Therefore when you are viewing Yui-san thought provoking artworks, tell yourself to put aside those stereotypes and biases inside you, approach the artworks deeper and further into the stories behind them, understanding and discovering the issues that the society is still facing today.

From gender issues, inequality and challenges, societal expectations on arts, work, how we live, the world might have changed and transformed over the centuries. The world is still far from perfect, each one of us still can play our part to be the change, to make the change, break the barriers, stereotypes, biases and mentality.

In a modern digital world swamped with internet and social media consumption, arts and culture could be one of our key elements that the world needs as we navigate into a new future.

I met Artist Yui Ozaki!

I met artist Yui-san at the official opening event, she was very friendly, more than willing to share about her stories, thoughts, feelings and experiences on what goes on behind her various artworks on display. 

Thanks to Wei and Gary from House of VSE, it was a great experience chatting with creative artists from other creative genres across from my photography and visual storytelling.

Personally, I appreciate exchanges with artists from other creative disciplines, as maybe some day, I might be inspired to embark on my own cross/inter-disciplinary artwork production along with my photography and visual storytelling.

Chin-Chin ちんちん – Yui Ozaki 2023 ART EXHIBITION

Exhibition Details

• Dates: 7th April to 2nd May 2023
• Hours: 1pm to 8pm (Closed on Mondays)
• Venue: 105 Desker Road #01-01

“Chin-Chin” is brought to you by House of VSE and 7879 Gallery and Clayworks. Yui Ozaki is represented by House of VSE, if you have any enquiries, please contact House of VSE.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R50 Explorer Series Production *

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What is #Metazomia all about? 

What is #Metazomia all about? This word comes from two things, the Metaverse and a metaphorical highland region in Southeast Asia. #Metazomia is a whimsical 360° immersive cinematic experience created by award-winning artist Brian Gothong Tan. 

Created from artificial intelligence and inspired by the adventures of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Tan’s cinematic experience looks at what the future may hold. The result: an epic melding of generative art and motion graphics that invite visitors to surrender to the meditative quality of the images.

Now that you know what #Metazomia is all about, please proceed to your start point and embark on your journey into #Metazomia in Station 1.

Embark on your Journey into #Metazomia in Station 1

There are a few different types of artistic mediums/forms, you can choose to absorb everything on offer, or be selective, or none at all, if you decide to do so. I would like to suggest and encourage you to go up close and personal with all different artworks on display.

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush 

There are photographs, there are also stories, there are slide films, there is also an interactive art form, all you need to do is to step into the yellow circle, observe the image that appears in front of you. 

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Interact and Immerse yourself 

Step out, slowly, cautiously and purposely, and step back into the yellow circle again. What image appears in front of you now? What does the image means to you? What is the meaning and message behind the image that is sent to you?   

Check out the photos, the zines with its visual storytelling stories by Kaylene Tan that accompanies the photos by Brian Gothong Tan. Observe closely, are the photos real? Or are they digital artworks? Or they are something else? 

You might have questions going through your mind right now, seeking answers. Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Oh wait, before you leave for your next station, there are some notes for you to read, from a fellow traveler on the island nation/world of #Metazomia to another fellow traveler. 

Alright, you are now ready to depart for your next Station.

Follow the Yellow Path into Station 2 

Departing from Station 1, a bright yellow path is waiting for you and calling out to you, the time is now for you to board, follow the yellow path into Station 2 and embark on a wandering and wondering journey with intention to discover the different worlds inside this world.

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush 

You might be wondering, what are they showing on the four walls? Different cinematic worlds are being shown, you would need more time to watch and understand. Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Interact and/or Meditate, Immerse into the Visual Narratives 

Walk on the yellow path, or step into the yellow circle, you can sit down too if you want. I would like to invite you and try something different from your usual routines, to interact and/or meditate, immerse into the visual narratives that are played in front of you or around you.

What do you see? How do you feel? Search your innermost feelings, pen it down somewhere, you can also share your thoughts and feelings with fellow travelers to the island nation/world of #Metazomia (before your leave 72-13).

Connecting with #Metazomia 

The Metaverse might still be a whole new strange world for many of us, how can we connect a virtual world with the real world? How is it even possible, what would the Metaverse world be really like?

Connecting with #Metazomia by Brian Gothong Tan, brings you into the Metaverse via a mix of arts form and different mediums. We might not have all the answers to the questions, none of us have the answers as the #Metaverse is still evolving, exploring and transforming.   

There is something at #Metazomia that connected with me deeply, on the subject of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on the arts and creatives sectors. This topic is on my personal projects list for Year 2023 (from both photographer and technology writer perspectives). 

Chatting with Brian on the topic of AI was enlightening and mind-opening, AI is not going to go away, it would probably gain more traction in our daily work and living. Some artists, photographers, creatives are afraid, we can understand. In a nutshell, it’s all about embracing AI not fearing AI, and how you can adopt, adapt and incorporate them in your artistic and creative workflows. 

#Metazomia by Brian Gothong Tan is an excellent artistic showcase and eye-opener into the world of Metaverse and AI combining together.  

#MetaZomia by Brian Gothong Tan

Exhibition Dates: 2nd to 20th January 2023 (Closed on 9th and 16th January)

Venue: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239007

Ticketing Information:

Available at Peatix: bit.ly/MetazomiaTicketing 

Available at Klook: bit.ly/MetazomiaKlook 

Usual price: $23 per pax

Special prices to #Metazomia! 

$20 per pax (Use Promo Code: META20)

$18 per pax for groups of 4 and above (META18 – before 11th January 2023)

$15 per pax for students/NSFs/seniors (META15)

The post #Metazomia – What kind of Utopian World is that? appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Having followed, supported, photographed and documented SGNightFest since her birth in 2008, it felt really good to see the rebirth of SGNightFest in 2022, making a comeback from the global pandemic situation that disrupted and turned our daily living, social and communal life, upside down.

There is an extensive and diverse line-up of programmes, activities, performances for visitors to SGNightFest 2022 that they can enjoy and have fun, with their family and friends. From Projection Mapping to Night Lights (two of my favourites at SGNightFest), to performances, experiential programmes and many other interesting events, there is something for you to participate, visit and involve with at SGNightFest. Of course, how can we forget F&B to relax, unwind and refuel after a night out at SGNightFest? 

There is a 2 years gap in between our 12th and 13th edition. Therefore before you make a return to SGNightFest 2022, let me share with you some handy tips on visiting SGNightFest 2022, a good refresher for all of us, eagerly wanting to return back to our fun and exciting festivals again. 

Handy (Refresher) Tips on Visiting SGNightFest 2022

1. Research and plan in advance on how you want to walk and explore the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, which artworks/performances to visit first.
2. It’s alright to split your SGNightFest visits over a few nights.
3. Get a physical printed copy of the SGNightFest map or you can also view it from your smartphone/tablet from the SGNightFest website.
4. Night Lights / Project Mapping – you can visit on weekday nights too, don’t need to rush catching it on the weekends!
5. Performances – They are held on the weekends, you might need not be able to attend and watch all of the performances, that’s where you have to decide and choose.
6. Wear comfortable attire and shoes – You are going to walk a lot in our typical Singapore humid weather.
7. Stay hydrated – Bring your water bottle, drink up regularly and stay hydrated while walking around.
8. Stay safe – We are not totally out of the woods yet in our battle against this ongoing global pandemic. Stay safe, be mindful and be careful! 
9. End your SGNightFest with food and drinks at After Dark @ Dhoby Ghaut Green and GR.iD 
10. Last but not least, enjoy and have fun at SGNightFest 2022! Share and hashtag #SGNightFest and #SNG2022 on your social media channels!

Projection Mapping

Projection mapping artworks on facades of various buildings have always been a strong attraction and eye opener for visitors to SGNightFest. I would share with you selected photos of those artworks projection mapping, inviting you to visit in person, getting a feel of the projections, learning and understanding more about the stories and inspirations behind the artists artworks projection mapping.

Stories from Forbidden Hill by Maxin10sity @ National Museum of Singapore

Glitches of You by Amanda Tan | The Melting Pot by Adeline Tan and Benedict Teo | Madeleine by Lueur

Stamford Clock Tower

Midnight Show at the Capitol by MOJOKO @ National Archives Singapore

Night Lights

Night Lights intrigues, welcomes and attracts me in its own unique artistic and colourful ways, how we can interact and be a part of those Night Lights artworks. I would also share with you selected photos of those Night Lights artworks, inviting you to visit in person, getting a feel of the projections, learning and understanding more about the stories and inspirations behind the artists Night Lights artworks.

The Night Lights are placed at different sectors of Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, take your time to walk and explore!

National Museum of Singapore

#SGNIGHTGEST by Pan-United @ National Museum of Singapore

We Can No Longer Be Strangers After This by Perception3 @ National Museum of Singapore

Steps (2022) by Victoria Hertel @ National Museum of Singapore

Fecundus by Twardzik Ching Chor Leng @ SMU Green

Fort Canning Hill

tobyato bird pitstop by tobyato @ Canning Rise

Tunnel Graffiti by Lynette Quek @ Fort Canning Tree Tunnel

Under My Tree Rood by Chloe Manasseh @ Fort Canning Tree Tunnel

Stamford Road / Raffles City 

Paddy Fields by FARM @ Stamford Walkway

An Ocean Without The Anchor by Speak Cryptic @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

PALIMPSEST by William Chan and Brandon Tay @ Armenian Street

laten (BBB edition) by Chok Yi Xuan @ Armenian Church 

Bras Basah / Queen Street / Waterloo Street

Celebration of Life+Style by Justin Lee @ Stamford Arts Centre

Terrarium by Aux Media Group, Binary Style, PAPERSYNTHESIS and SERIAL CO_ @ National Design Centre

NOCTURNE: Conversations with Waterloo by Nhawfal Juma’at @ Waterloo Complex

City of Books by Fish Jaafar @ Bras Basah Complex

Performances

A good and diverse mix of performances are scheduled for the two weekends of SGNightFest.  Here are some of the performances that are taking place, do check out SGNightFest website for the full list of performances, locations and timings!

Discoloo Centre by P7:1SMA

Armenian Street Party by various artists 

“A Date with Tradition” 

During the media preview of SGNightFest, we were at Stamford Arts Centre to check out some exciting programmes. There is a festival, “A Date with Tradition”, held in conjunction with the Singapore Night Festival, organised by Arts House Limited.

Here is a glimpse of some of the exciting programmes that are going to be held at Stamford Arts Centre! 

The Art of Sulam

Open Studio: Head, Hand & Heart – The Everyday Art of Traditional Crafts

Singapore Rhapsodies

Many many more exciting activities at SGNightFest 2022!

Relax and Unwind with SGNightFest F&B

After an exciting and fun night of walking, exploring and engaging with the various artworks and performances, it’s time to relax and unwind over food and drinks with family and friends. You can check out SGNightFest F&B – After Dark @ Dhoby Ghaut Green & GR.iD.

Many many more!

There are many many more activities, events and performances that I would not be able to cover in just one article and over the first weekend. Do visit the SGNightFest website to check out more information and details on which ones that you would like to visit and check out!

Information and Updates on SGNightFest 2022

Dates: 19th to 27th August 2022

Hours: 7:30pm to 12:00am

Venue: Bras Basah.Bugis

For more information and updates on SGNightFest 2022, you can check out and follow them on their social media platforms 

• Singapore Night Festival website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Wishing all visitors returning to the rebirth of Singapore Night Festival 2022 a happy and fun time! Take more photos and videos, share around and enjoy yourselves, immersing into Singapore’s very own uniquely contemporary and vibrant arts, cultural and heritage #SGNightFest.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production *

The post Singapore Night Festival 2022 is back! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

At NHB inaugural Craft X Design showcase held at the National Museum of Singapore, visitors can get up close and personal with four prototypes of contemporary and creative amalgamation of tradition, heritage and culture, combined with modern contemporary living and design through the world, eyes, craft and skillsets of the cultural and heritage practitioners and contemporary modern designers coming together in a unique and eye opening experience.

Craft X Design was introduced by NHB, part of their efforts under Our SG Heritage Plan to cultivate stronger public awareness and appreciation of Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. This helps to create platforms to showcase Singapore’s rich and diverse trades and crafts. 

Mr Yeo Kirk Siang, Director, Heritage Research & Assessment, NHB, said, “By actively nurturing partnerships between crafts persons and local designers to produce contemporary products using traditional craft techniques or materials, we aim to revitalise local traditional crafts, by opening up new markets and new customer bases, and thus ensuring their long-term sustainability and commercial viability. The result of the pilot edition of Craft X Design conveys the important message that traditional crafts continue to have a place and relevance in our society today through innovation.” 

Traditional Chinese Lanterns | Harmony Spheres 

Practitioner: Jimm Wong

Designers: Melvin Ong, Xu Xiao (NextOfKin Creatives)

Traditional Chinese lanterns have a long tradition and history dating back to the Han Dynasty (206BC to 220AD). In Singapore, they are traditionally hung in places of worship and clan associations, and during festivities or special occasions such as deities’ birthdays, weddings and Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Traditional Chinese lanterns are made of bamboo frames, the bamboo splints are cut to the required length and thickness, followed by soaking in water before being heated over a fire and the bamboo strips can be Ben for the lantern frame. This would followed by gluing the oil-coated silk paper onto the lantern frame, before they can be painted with traditional characters, motifs and/or family surnames. 

In a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Chinese lantern by NextOfKin Creatives, they designed it to be an elegant dining lamp, titled “Harmony Spheres”. This symbolises a nice and good mix of tradition and contemporary, by preserving the lighting function and the bamboo strips of a traditional Chinese lantern, while adding a contemporary spin through its unique multi-spherical structure.

This Harmony Spheres lamp is further inspired by the Chinese ivory puzzle ball, they have intricately carved layers that can rotate individually. With its open-ended spheres further producing a layered and textured lighting effect. The translucent exterior design produces a graceful arc of the bamboo ribs, held together by 3D-printed rims.

In order to see, feel and experience this Harmony Spheres lamp, get up close and personal (without touching it) at this exhibition. You will be able to feel the tradition and contemporary combining together as one.  

Ketupat Weaving | Raya Furniture

Practitioner: MDM Anita Tompang 

Designer: Mr Andrew Loh

Whenever I see a Ketupat, the first thing that comes to my mind is delicious Malay cuisine. Ketupat is a rice cake wrapped in a pouch, traditionally woven with coconut leaves, used in religious ceremonies throughout the Malay world as form of food offering. In Singapore, it’s usually prepared as a festive food by the Malay-Muslim community during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji. 

Ketupat weaving is often a family activity that brings together generations together in a celebratory spirit of Hari Ray festivities. More than just weaving ketupat for rice cakes, ketupat pouches are also woven from colourful ribbons to decorate Malay homes during festive periods, they can be woven into a variety of shapes and sizes, including the ketupat raya, the most common ketupat from seen during the Hari Raya festive celebrations. 

How do you transform the ketupat into something contemporary? Through Raya, a celebration of the ketupat raya. It’s being transposed from ketupat raya to contemporary furniture, paying tribute to the sophistication and versatility of the weaving techniques. 

How is Raya Furniture produced? They are woven around foams of different densities instead of coconut leaves and rice cakes, inspired by the function of ketupats as containers. Each module is woven or riveted together with other modules, stacked in different combinations to create the bench and stool on display. 

The modular nature of Raya furniture is a respond to the growing nature of creative designed spaces and encourages users to experiment with modifying/re-transforming their Raya modules into a variety of functional everyday uses.

Peranakan Beadwork and Embroidery | Rejuvenation Gown

Practitioner: Raymond Wong

Designers: Joanna Lim, Joanne Quak (Aller Row)

Peranakan beadwork and embroidery are exquisitely beautiful and intricate crafts, marked with a rich repertoire of motifs and techniques that weave together diverse Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences, reflecting Peranakan culture. Two iconic examples of Peranakan beadwork and embroidery are the beaded slippers (kasut manek) and the Peranakan kebaya dress. 

Peranakan beadwork uses glass and metal seed beads, individually stitched in place onto the cloth. The Peranakan kebaya featured two triangular front panels (lapik) that fall gently over the hips. Combining lacework as well as satin, zigzag and buttonhole stitches are employed to outline floral or geometric motifs on the kebaya. 

Rejuvenation Gown is a contemporary take on the traditional Peranakan kebaya, adapting and incorporating elements of Peranakan kebaya onto a cape-sleeved couture gown, fusing Lim and Quak’s joint vision of creating fashion wear tailored for the modern women, as well as showcasing Wong’s interest in Peranakan culture and expertise in traditional Peranakan beadwork and embroidery techniques. 

Rangoli | Refined Rangoli

Practitioner: Ms Vijaya Mohan

Designer: Jarrod Lim (Jarrod Lim Design)

Rangoli, is a traditional Indian art form dating a long wat back in time to pre-Aryan India. It is a multi-coloured floor decoration, using rice flour or other natural substances such as grains, seeds, vermillion and/or turmeric powder, to create motifs that symbolise joy, prosperity, and/or thanksgiving to the deities. 

They are traditionally drawn on the ground at the entrance of households and are commonly seen during Indian festivals such as Deepavali. Their shapes may range from geometric shapes, to auspicious animals and floral designs, to symbols of Hindu deities. Some of the popular motifs include circular designs that signify the continuity of time, the lotus flower with Goddess Lakshmi in the middle, that represents prosperity and fertility in Hinduism. 

From a 2D art form to a 3D art form, giving rise to Refined Rangoli, widening the possibilities and diversities of Rangoli art form into a modern contemporary design of 3D metalware, including a lampshade and a bowl, a combination of decorative art form with new practical applications. 

Refined Rangoli metalware preserves Rangoli’s artistic flavours and cultural expressions, bringing them to life via laser cutting technology, producing intricate Rangoli motifs carved out onto slices of stainless steel. The thin and flexible metal slices were then folded by hand into the form of the lampshade and bowl.

In order to see, feel and experience the Refined Rangoli, get up close and personal (without touching it) at this exhibition. You will be able to feel the tradition and contemporary combining together as one.  

NHB Craft X Design showcase – A Must Visit 

The inaugural NHB Craft X Design showcase is amazing, a real eye opener into how we can merge the world of heritage, culture and traditions together with modern contemporary inputs from design and applications to everyday living. 

This showcase is an inspiration to all, it’s also a modern contemporary method of continuing heritage, culture and traditions from the older generations to the younger generations. Highly recommended for extended families to bring their children/grandchildren to visit, learn and appreciate about Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, preserving, conserving and passing on our heritage, culture and traditions to the future generations.

Craft X Design Showcase Information

Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Longer Concourse, Level 1, 93 Stamford Road, S178897

Date: 2nd July 2022 to 31st July 2022

Time: Opens daily 10am to 7pm

Admission: Free

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