TASK 1: ME Imperfections
These photos put emphasis on the imperfections in life. We are constantly seeking perfection in our lives. As a perfectionist who is constantly trying to fighting imperfections, these series of photographs aim to amplify the beauty in imperfection. We are always quick to spot imperfections and make unsupported judgements of the people around us. We often forget about the importance of looking at the big picture. Textures are made up of tiny imperfections combined together.
TASK 2: OBJECT AND REPRESENTATION OF SELF Boundaries
Frames support and give shape. In this instance, the frame represent the comfort zone that I always stay within, showing no signs of struggle. The frame was a result of a fight with my family. It shows the ugly side of my life, in contrast to the seemingly normal exterior. Having the frame placed above my eyes shows my goal to step out of my comfort zone. Without my sight, I believe I can take risks better without fear.
TASK 3: MY WORLD Departure
It is not news that the Dakota estate in Singapore will be undergoing en-bloc. Shops, families and history will be forced to move out of their decades-old homes. Physical memories of the area will no longer exist and it is very sad to know that this is the result of industrialisation.
I decided to use framing in composition because I wanted to create the user experience for the viewer. The first image shows the inside of a clinic, the second through a dustbin, the third through the holes of the architecture. I also found it ironic that National Day decorations were hung outside the buildings of a vacated flat.
Reflections
The self-portrait and object was harder to capture as it is not easy to use things to represent oneself. I particularly enjoyed task 3 because I was able to interact with the environment and the people living in there. It was, however, challenging to find interesting photography angles. I found myself questioning why I chose to photograph a place faraway from the school but the experience was worth the effort.
During this project, I spoke with some of the residents and workers of Dakota Cresent. They shared about their views in politics (this was right before the election period) and their experience in Singapore. It was an eye-opener for a youth like myself and I feel sad knowing that this place will no longer be the same a year later. It was an experience no one can replicate. When the residents leave, there will be no one to retell their stories and no one will know of their struggles, just as how Dakota Crescent will cease to exist.
This short prose expresses the thoughts about My World:
听得到声音，看不到人影。
看得到照片，动不到真人。
动得到皮肤，摸不到真心。
老一代没家住，新一代没诚意。
谁来当我们领袖，谁来替他们出气？
我们所追求的完美到底是什么？
References
- Framing in compositional / Rule of Thirds
- http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules
- http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/11/photography-composition-framing
- Photography of Steve Winters, talk
**Images of Task 3 were placed on the pillar to recreate the “emotions” of Dakota Crescent.
