Singapore is a hub of all sorts, including cultural and art events of all sizes. Oftentimes, I stumble upon them, like I did one day going to the National Library. It’s hard to miss the blue shipping containers in the Open Plaza just outside the main entrance to the library. The Singapore International Photography Festival, which was held between October 6 and November 13, 2016, used the exterior and interior walls, along with the plaza wall, to showcase international photographers’ work.
It was nearing the end of the festival that day and only a few others were also viewing the exhibtion. Being a chance encounter, leaving the library for the next meeting, gave me only a short window. So I did not get to see everything. Here are some photos I snapped with my iPhone.
He/she used to have the same face, living in the same family, but their lives changed due to various reasons after growing up.
Gao Rong Guo
There was Identical Twins by Gao Rong Guo. He captured identical twins, all over 50 years of age, posed as if facing each other in person and photographed separately. His subjects are from his native province, Shandong. It was interesting to note the visual similarities and differences in each set of twins, which lead you to ponder fate and how life may show up physically and emotionally in the body. interview with artist
I was actually first captivated by the series Junge Siegerin by German photographer Sarah Walzer. This is a body of black-and-white photographs of young girls who look piercingly and even fiercely into the camera.
I’m exploring the condition of vulnerability. To be vulnerable for me means being in touch with my feelings. That connects me to the world around and allows me to live courageously. I was searching for people who would show themselves and express their vulnerability.
Sara Walzer.
Open Plaza Artists
Other works and artists at Open Plaza, National Library, according to the festival website:
- Yangon Backstage by Wolfgang Bellwinkel
- Proof by Tomasz Gudzowaty
- The Pacific Tourist by Maki Hayashida
- Once Upon a Night by Koh Yee Chao
- Wait Watchers by Haley Morris-Cafiero
- Refine by Phisut Nuthong
- Thai Politics by Miti Ruangkritya
- Moisés by Mariela Sancari
- Hand-coloured by Thomas Sauvin and Lei Lei
- #selfie by Tom Stayte
- Singapore Road Photography by Ung Ruey Loon
- Singapore Gurkha Photography Museum by Zakaria Zaina, and
- The Dutronquoy Albums by Robert Zhao Renhui.
The 2016 festival also had exhibitions throughout Singapore at locations such as Alliance Française de Singapour and various MRT stations. You can find information of this festival and others in the archive section of their website.
