Was honoured to be invited to make pictures of the TO Ensemble performing at the inaugural 'Gallery Late Night at the National Gallery Singapore'. They play a blend of contemporary, classical, Eastern, and Western music. For more of their music, check their website, and also their facebook!
P.S. My brother is the drummer in the ensemble. It was fantastic to work together in the same event - him behind the drums, and myself behind the lens. (-; Check out his music on his YouTube channel!
I have been fascinated by Thaipusam since I was young. Perhaps, it was a festival that looked fearsome. Perhaps, I was amazed what people will to do to themselves for their faith.
For the 2014 festival, I used only one roll of film, and a sound recorder. I focused on one family. I observed their preparation at the temple, and walked all the way with them to the finish. It was a beautiful experience. I got more insights into the festival, and I now have real names, stories, and motivations of why people do this festival. I am still in touch with the family, and they have invited me for future festivals.
The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), is one of the feel-good traditional Chinese festivals. I remember the lanterns, drinking tea, eating mooncakes, and appreciating the beauty of the moon. It's about giving thanks, celebrating harvest, and generally to relax. Hopefully, people have worked hard during the spring and the summer seasons, and can afford to relax a bit. Children also have a lot of fun carrying lanterns at night (if they are not up to any mischief like burning stuff). Parents are less worried about their kids compared to the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (中元节), where kids may be mistaken as offerings by the famished spirits. The time around the Mid-Autumn Festival is also considered an auspicious time to get married. For the Chinese community, it's almost like the peak period during the year for holding wedding banquets.
