ha hah! I was asleep when you called!

Quiet Afternoons

2011-03-07T17:58:00.000+08:00

Quiet Afternoons - Jan 2011

Bulbs

2011-02-28T12:17:00.002+08:00

Bulbs 1 -3 (2010 - 2011)

We Dreamt of Team Work

2011-01-27T10:29:00.006+08:00

After been cooped indoors for what seems like endless hours of watching cable TV, surfing the Internet, clearing emails and online conversations with friends, it suddenly feels surreal when I step out. Somehow, it does feels like I have misplaced humanity and reality. I look everywhere and there seem to be this weird jarring sensation of solitude and emptiness. The weather and the amount of time spent indoor has inspired me to create these set of works below.

We Dreamt of Team Work 01 - 04, Jan 2011

5+ Days to Christmas.......

2010-12-19T13:37:00.003+08:00

'tis the season to be.... whatever...

Happy Holidays.

Cats Doing Stupid Things Part 2

2010-12-19T13:09:00.005+08:00

Ok now it's Hidey's turn.

As Time Stands Still

2010-12-17T12:29:00.008+08:00

Recently, I took a trip up to Mersing, Malaysia with a friend. The place is kind of like his home town as his mother was originally from this little sleepy town.

You know the expression people use, "it was like time stood still...."
I think I finally understood and managed to grasp that notion until I was there. :)

Quiet Afternoons

2010-11-24T21:29:00.003+08:00

Quiet Afternoons / The Disenchanted - Nov 2010

Tau Tao the Cat doing Stupid Things...

2010-11-24T21:19:00.006+08:00

Cats are actually quite an attention seeking bunch.
They just do not want to admit it...

Tau Tao Rolls - Nov 2010

Last few frames from my beloved cameras.... Bye Bye, I will miss you all. :'(

2010-11-21T17:53:00.003+08:00

Last Frames - Oct 2009

Sold away and selling away some of my favourite 35mm cameras to make way for some badly needed $$.

These include:

Voigtlander Bessa R2 with a 35mm/ f1.8 lens --> SOLD to a friend.

Still looking for buyers
Yashica T5 (with super scope)
Horizon Perkeft

I wish I have more space and money to keep them all....but well...oh well....

Last Frames 02 - Oct 2010

Last Frames 03 - Oct 2010

Needs

2010-11-05T12:42:00.008+08:00

During SIPF 2010, I was fortunate enough to attend a 4-day workshop led by the Frank Breuer. There were about 13 selected participants in the workshop and we each had to create a series which focuses on the festival's theme, 'Human:Nature'.

For the workshop, I came up with a series based on consumerism in pet ownership. Although the workshop is over, I am still working on expanding the series.
Fingers crossed.

Needs 01 - Oct 2010

Needs 02 - Oct 2010

A Heap of Something

2010-11-05T12:22:00.005+08:00

Heap - Nov 2010

Did Not Make the Cut

2010-10-29T14:04:00.005+08:00

I am currently not working.
I took the plunge and decided to be a "bummer".
Well, that was what one person actually asked if that was my true intentions...
It is both weird & frustrating, but in Singapore, the profession "Artist", do not quite sit properly in this society's head. If I say, "artist", a doubtful frown will normally pop up. But once I switch it to 'Photographer', the expression usually changes immediately to an acknowledging nod.

So since I have so much time on hand, I had been looking at so many wonderful images and helping out with Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF 2010).
Ironically, I am currently nursing an eye infection.

Hopefully, I will not become a "bum". So I made myself a checklist of the things I should do. Not like anyone really bothers to know....

kittyStar's "Bumming" Checklist
1) Create more "art"
2) Find a part-time / temp job to sustain the "art" making
3) Tidy up the room
4) Tidy up the negatives
5) Find a better storage place for portfolio

Looks like I got lots of spring cleaning to do....

Anyways, I volunteering for the Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF 2010) has been not too bad. I got to assist a couple of prominent overseas curators, and I attended these really brilliant workshops by Frank Breuer and Massimo Vitalli. I even got to have lunch (and dinner) with them, and to pick their minds! HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET TO DO THAT?!!!? It was simply AWESOME! I also went for 3 days of Portfolio reviews, and got some really interesting and constructive feedback. :)

Coming back to the present, I will be working overnight at City Square Mall later to help out the SIPF team install shortlisted works for the Mosaic Photo Competition. I submitted 2 images, but I guess my images were not pretty enough to make the final cut.... well, oh well.

Singapore National Museum - 2007

Padang - 2007

It has been a long long long time....

2010-09-15T22:42:00.004+08:00

It has been a long long time.... so a photo shot 3 years ago.

Church Door - Nov 2007

Backstage at a Fashion Show

2010-05-22T12:13:00.002+08:00

Jo - May '2010

Duality - The Ongoing Project

2010-05-11T23:35:00.003+08:00

Duality: Couple 06 - Oct '09

Duality is not about examining the sustainability of relationships. It speculates that by comparing an individual’s bedroom with their partner’s, we could probably detect a reflection of a common duality in their respective personal traits and interests. The bedroom has always been seen as a personal fortress and by comparing them in totality, would we be able to establish a couple’s compatibility and/or identify a dichotomy in the relationship?

As this is still an on-going project, I am currently looking for couples (regardless of sexual orientation), who would like to take part in this series. If you and your partner are keen, please feel free to contact me! :)

Slumber Slips

2010-02-09T21:07:00.005+08:00

The Disenchanted 11 - Nov '09

The Disenchanted 12 - Nov '09

See you again, next Spring

2010-02-08T22:09:00.003+08:00

The Disenchanted 09 - Nov '09

The Disenchanted 10 - Nov '09

Floored

2010-02-07T16:56:00.004+08:00

The Disenchanted_07 - Nov '09

The Disenchanted_08 - Nov '09

German Photography ROCKS!!!!

2010-02-07T16:42:00.005+08:00

So sad.... the photography workshop with Karin Geiger has been cancelled indefinitely because she slipped on ice before boarding for Singapore.

We were all looking forward to meeting her and the workshop. But it was a mis-fortunate accident, and we all wish her a speedy recovery.

Nonetheless, the exhibition at 2902 Gallery featuring the works of 10 contemporary German photographers is simply excellent.

presentation | representation
Now till Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 8:00pm
2902 Gallery, 11B Mount Sophia #B1-09

This used to be my playground

2010-01-26T22:59:00.005+08:00

Pretty glad to be selected for an upcoming photography workshop with Karin Geiger as part of a photography exhibition which will be showcased at 2902 Gallery (Old School, Mt. Sophia) from 6 Feb - 13 Mar '10. The exhibition is held by the Goethe-Institut Singapore, and workshop participants are expected to work on a personal series that relates to the theme of "Representation of the City".

Since I have something to push me... I decided to further develop my 'Playgrounds' series for the workshop. Playgrounds have always been a place filled with many childhood joys & memories for me. When I was young, the playground was a sort of getaway and escape. Swings and slides were my favourite!!

Sadly, many of the old playgrounds I used to love were torn down, paving way for newer and safer ones. To me, these playgrounds are an ironic representation of Singapore's urban development. As ironical as it seems, playgrounds are often linked to controversy for being a dangerous place - filled with accidents & injuries waiting to happen. As well as a place where social misfits hang out and pedophilia lurks ... Nonetheless, playgrounds are still a vital architecture stable in every housing estate for it's contribution to childhood development and public leisure.

Playgrounds_old 01 - 2009

Playgrounds_old 03 - 2009

Strange Love

2010-01-20T21:29:00.002+08:00

The Disenchanted 05 - Dec '09

The Disenchanted 06 - Dec '09

Usually when I am awake in my sleep....

2010-01-19T22:05:00.003+08:00

The Disenchanted 03 - Nov '09

The Disenchanted 04- Nov '09

Break Time

2010-01-18T21:22:00.005+08:00

Smokers' Delight - Jan '10

A very long time ago when I was less that 1.4m tall....

2010-01-17T10:48:00.003+08:00

Playgrounds (doubleEx) - 2009

The Disenchanted

2010-01-16T23:18:00.001+08:00

The Disenchanted 01 + 02 - 2007 + 2008

Dance Dance Dance

2009-12-12T17:32:00.001+08:00

Dance with Me - Dec '09

Finding Time / Watch This Space

2009-12-12T14:31:00.004+08:00

Finding time to focus on existing and new works is probably the toughest thing now.

This blog needs more regular updates. Nonetheless my online "portfolio" is in dire need of a revamp. To many people, it seems like the business of Art is "unreal" and unrealistic.

Lately, a good friend kind of called me a collector of sorts. It seemed both daunting and amusing to be deem a 'collector of images' sort after by my realm of imagination and observations. To the mundane (e.g. my family and some friends), I am this kooky crazy person, living in my own world who cannot be contented with the normal. Like having a normal life, a normal well-paid job, normal goals and ambitions, a normal past-time...blah blah blah... U catch the drift.

But what is normal?

Does Normal = Stability?
I guess to most it does...

During my daily commute, I see 'normal' people looking void and empty. Maybe I am just imagining things. We do chose to see what we wanna see.

My juggling act of the what is "real" and not "real" is beginning to question itself. At times, even frustrating when I have 2 sides of the coin tearing me apart.

Time is definitely ticking and only I can decide what has to give.
Let's hope 'crazy' will work out.

Admission Is Free

2009-11-03T23:49:00.002+08:00

Free Admissions : test shots - Nov '09

Mom's Fall: Post Op

2009-10-08T21:35:00.002+08:00

Post-Op - Aug '2009

Okay great news!
Mom's elbow bones managed to heal back and she doesn't need another round of surgery.

Peace at home.

Hidey Luvs Contact Printz

2009-10-06T22:46:00.002+08:00

Hidey Luvs Printz - Aug 2009

Mom's Fall : Pre-Op

2009-08-26T23:00:00.006+08:00

Mom's Fall: Pre-op - Aug '09

Mom went for another check-up yesterday, and the latest x-rays shows that her elbow is not recovering well...

She might need another surgery before the end of this year if her elbow does not heal in time.

Hope for a miracle.

Mom's Fall - Post Op

2009-08-18T22:16:00.005+08:00

Mom's Fall - Post Op - Aug '09

Earlier this month, Mom had a bad accident at work.
She fell, dislocating and fracturing her right elbow.
2 metal screws was inserted into her elbow.

Many people at work felt really sorry for her and showered her with get well gifts.
My family had enough fruits & bottles of chicken essence to sustain us for at least 3 weeks.

Mom's Fall - Post Op - Aug '09

More Time More Money More Sleep

2009-08-18T13:21:00.003+08:00

Sometimes. (No, make that most times.) I wish that I could put everything else aside and concentrate totally on my photographic works.

Like these folks which I have been spending many a weekends with for the last couple of months, though our lifestyles may be different, but in some ways we are both very passionate about something in life.

The LSP - 2009

Setting Up Paradise Lost

2009-08-10T15:15:00.005+08:00

Setting Up Paradise Lost - Aug '09

Setting Up Paradise Lost - Aug '09

More images at the Paradise Lost's Face Book group.

Paradise Lost : New Photo-Documentary Works (An Invitation)

2009-08-10T11:11:00.007+08:00

Check out the Opening this coming Friday, 14 Aug @ 7pm
Gallery 2902 @ Old School, Mount Sophia

Be prepared to see non-conformist photography works.... heh heh!

Join our facebook group to be reminded of the event a day before the opening > Paradise Lost on Facebook

Baby, Don't Cry

2009-07-22T20:59:00.002+08:00

- Jul' 09

Change of Operation Dressing

2009-06-29T21:23:00.006+08:00

Ah Ma's Operation Dressing - Jun '09

2 years ago I did a short photo-story of Ah Ma & my dad for Shooting Home 07, which exhibited at Objectifs.

Ah Ma is coming to 85 years old and only 15% of her heart is functioning.
She is diabetic, practically immobile and partially deaf.
Ah Ma is lucky she has a son like my dad.
My dad is constantly worrying about the state of Ah Ma's health & well-being.

Last Thursday, Ah Ma went for a hernia operation. Over the weekend, her operation dressing needed to be changed to avoid an infection.

Ah Ma's Operation Dressing - Jun '09

Sometimes, my mom and I worry for dad...

E.N.V.Y.

2009-06-28T12:30:00.003+08:00

Envy is a four letter word.

Envy - Hidey & Tua Tao - Jun '09

Hidey & Friends

2009-04-28T23:34:00.005+08:00

Test shots from my latest camera

hidey1 - Apr '09

Tua Tao 01 - Apr '09

Lodey 01 - Apr '09

Tua Tao 02 - Apr '09

Escape

2009-04-12T20:48:00.001+08:00

Wanderings : Little India '2008

Endless

2009-04-12T00:34:00.003+08:00

These days seem endless.
Yet too short.

Even dreams are restless.
Trying to find ways to escape.

If only.
If only.
If only.

But only?

2009-03-09T22:32:00.002+08:00

Night Bikes - Jan '09

The Photographer's Stories Redux

2009-03-09T22:15:00.003+08:00

Ooops.... I almost forgot to upload this.

It is all consolidated now, so don't forget to drop by!

Something & Nothing

2009-02-22T21:19:00.002+08:00

The feeling of something and nothing at all....

Does that exist?

365 pictures a day...

2009-02-16T21:47:00.001+08:00

365 pictures a day / Strange Chemistry - Dec '08

365 pictures a day ...

2009-02-12T21:22:00.005+08:00

365 Images a Day... / Strange Chemistry - Dec '08

untitled

2009-02-12T21:17:00.002+08:00

- Nov '08

I can only try

2009-02-12T20:40:00.003+08:00

Trying to be excited ...
But the hype does not seem to be present.

Or even appealing.

My 1st SOLO Exhibition !!!!

2009-02-07T12:05:00.004+08:00

Do drop by if you happen to be in the Seng Kang vicinity during that period of time.

Nonetheless, the group exhibition will be held at the main NLB (in Bugis) in March.
More details coming soooooooooon!

Wanderings....

2009-02-04T22:25:00.002+08:00

Wanderings : Little India (2007)

Speaking of which, I have got approximately 1 & 1/2 week till my solo exhibition at Seng Kang Library.

Maybe you have seen it maybe you have not....

2009-02-04T22:11:00.006+08:00

January 4th - 17th
Ang Mo Kio Public Library - Lay Hiang
Toa Payoh Public Library - Candice
Pasir Ris Public Library - Yan Wei
Queenstown Public Library - George Wong

January 17th - 30th
Ang Mo Kio Public Library - Sam Chin
Toa Payoh Public Library - Denise
Pasir Ris Public Library - Yan Bing
Queenstown Public Library - Jia Liang

February 1st - 14th
Marine Parade Public Library - John Heng
Seng Kang Public Library - Lavender
Bukit Merah Public Library - Geraldine
Yishun Public Library - Yang Chen

February 15th - 28th
Marine Parade Public Library - Chong Yew
Seng Kang Public Library - Liana (ME! ME! ME!!!)
Bukit Merah Public Library - Khairi (my friend!)
Yishun Public Library - Lydia Wong

March 1st - 14th
Bishan Public Library - Deanna Ng
Geylang Public Library - Tim Nga
Tampines Regional Library - Han Tan
Bedok Public Library - Wei Ling

March 15th - April 2nd
Bishan Public Library - Isabelle
Geylang Public Library - Timothy Stuart Wee
Tampines Regional Library - Jing Wei
Bedok Public Library - Melisa Teo

Previously on ....

2009-02-04T22:09:00.001+08:00

HELLO again!

Previously on .....

ha hah! I was asleep when you called!

Quiet Afternoons

Bulbs

We Dreamt of Team Work

5+ Days to Christmas.......

Cats Doing Stupid Things Part 2

As Time Stands Still

Quiet Afternoons

Tau Tao the Cat doing Stupid Things...

Last few frames from my beloved cameras.... Bye Bye, I will miss you all. :'(

Needs

A Heap of Something

Did Not Make the Cut

It has been a long long long time....

Backstage at a Fashion Show

Duality - The Ongoing Project

Slumber Slips

See you again, next Spring

Floored

German Photography ROCKS!!!!

presentation | representationNow till Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 8:00pm2902 Gallery, 11B Mount Sophia #B1-09

This used to be my playground

Strange Love

Usually when I am awake in my sleep....

Break Time

A very long time ago when I was less that 1.4m tall....

The Disenchanted

Dance Dance Dance

Finding Time / Watch This Space

Admission Is Free

Mom's Fall: Post Op

Hidey Luvs Contact Printz

Mom's Fall : Pre-Op

Mom's Fall - Post Op

More Time More Money More Sleep

Setting Up Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost : New Photo-Documentary Works (An Invitation)

Baby, Don't Cry

Change of Operation Dressing

E.N.V.Y.

Hidey & Friends

Escape

Endless

The Photographer's Stories Redux

Something & Nothing

365 pictures a day...

365 pictures a day ...

untitled

I can only try

My 1st SOLO Exhibition !!!!

Wanderings....

Maybe you have seen it maybe you have not....

Previously on ....

presentation | representation
Now till Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 8:00pm
2902 Gallery, 11B Mount Sophia #B1-09