Light, Hope and Goodness

A photo exhibition in partnership with Gardens by the Bay, and supported by National Arts Council
21 Oct to 2 Nov 2022, Gardens by the Bay, Colonnade

Medium: Series of Archival Prints

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed roaming the streets of Little India during the Deepavali light up, spending my evenings witnessing how the streets “come alive” when the clock strikes seven. There is something so uniquely Singaporean about the charming decorations, old-school shophouses and colourful pop-up stalls.

At the age of thirteen, I discovered I was colourblind, and since then, perhaps counter intuitively, it has actually made colours all the more essential to my photography. The colours and light captured in these photographs encapsulate the central Deepavali themes of victory, hope and goodness. But beyond that, I hope they draw out emotions and spark conversations. It all starts with conversation - the human connection between strangers who smile and are willing to be photographed in this festive setting, the light, hope and goodness in the everyday lives of ordinary folk. Auntie Sahinder, a lady I spoke with, shared that she will be hosting colleagues of different ethnicities over Deepavali, and even invited me to her home for the celebration!