As I was driven to Outram, I did not start my exploration from Outram but rather at Everton Park. The first thing that could my eye was the mural by Yip Yew Chong, depicting a scene from olden time which add to the ambiance of the place.
I also took note of the fence pattern as I was thinking that maybe I could do patterns in my zine. I then headed towards Chinatown and basically took whatever felt interesting to me.
Like how the lanterns on the ceiling looks like little red balls floating on a golden sea. I guess I was unconsciously making up fantasy type narratives in my head.
As I walk through Chinatown I was interested in the signboards that I was bombarded with and thought of making an original type like the norajima project.
Besides I also took photos to get a general feel of Chinatown.
The next stop was to go to pearl bank.
Going there felt like we were completely leaving Outram as when I was going up it was surrounded by quiet spaces or building being torn.
I was scared to enter the first time so I just took photos of the outside and headed towards the MRT area
When I saw the construction as I was coming down I thought that maybe I could do something concerning time or progress as Outram was filled with shop houses, construction sites and shiny government buildings.
oh it was chingay period so there were some floats passing by.
Second Visit I concentrated on just going to pearl bank as it left the most mysterious to me.
I sneaked inside and ran up the stairs.
The placed was like a maze with many staircase
On my 3rd visit I tried to go back there by legal means. But was rudely refused by the security guard. So I just took the facade of the building.
I proceeded to stand outside of Pearl Bank Apartment to interview people.
After a lot of hesitation I interviewed 4 people. I only managed to take picture of 2 of my interviewees .I took the back for the other two.
Here are some of the notes I took when I interviewed them.
China lady
Here for a few month
Convenient
Finds in friendly
Likes how quiet it is
Also rented
Doesnt interact with the other residence
Us dude
Works at nhcs
Finds it nice and quiet
People keep to themselves
Hates walking up the hill
Very little amenities
Rented for one month
Most people doesnt say good morning
Mum and child
Live here for 20 years
Parents live here before
A lot of apartments are rented out
Strange people
Young Chinese couple
Woman wearing a nurse uniform.
Guy carrying goccery
Rented an apartment for a few months
It’s a very cold place
Not welcoming