Remnants is a continuation of the series “Routine”.  It is a series of photographs documenting the belongings left behind by my grandfather. Many of them are everyday objects that we have shared together, are used to and have thus taken their presence for granted while others are his personal belongings with a hint of nostalgia. The process of creating this series allowed me to reflect on how we gradually take things for granted and assume that a person is going to there as long as we need them to be until he or she really leaves us. It reminds us of the importance of appreciating them before they are gone forever.

The series consist of his photos, tracing his youth, carefully placed in between pictures of his belongings. I hope to bring out his character and snippets of his life through such a placement while reminiscing the joyful times we once had together.

 

Additional photos that were not used eventually:

 

ROUTINE

Routine is a series of photographs documenting the passing of my grandfather through his daily routine. These lifeless remnants constantly seek for his impossible return, yet, it is as though he has never left us. The process of creating this series allowed me to reflect on how short amount of time we have with our beloved ones around us before they eventually leave.  It reminds us of the importance of cherishing them before it becomes too late.

 

The series consist of both black and white and coloured images. The black and white images are meant to portray him in the midst of carrying out his routine with an apparent lack of his presence while the coloured images are his favourite belongings that constantly remind us of his presence. I attempt to bring out the longing I feel for him through the usage of both mediums.

 

Reflections:

Photographs that were taken out/replaced/ had already been shot but decided not to put in/a different angle from the final one:

 

Class commented that the beads were too close for the first draft.

This photograph is too close and rigid (aka stiffly staged).

This photograph has the similar problem of being too staged.

Originally, I thought that this angle was not bad but it lacks the little tinge of “human presence” there, unlike the final photo.

Decided that this will affect the flow of the final presentation by hindering the smooth flow of thought, I took out his picture.

Due to the similar problem with the television shot, I chose to take it out.

Final Presentation Layout:

To this living one, I hope you will never leave me behind.