Hour At The Museum

#wgmtf14 (2015) PHOTOS: NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

The Photomakers Of Nafa exhibition at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) showcases more than 70 works from school lecturers and alumni. These range from nature landscapes to abstract works to vignettes of everyday life, each taking on new meaning through the photographer's lens.

#wgmtf14 (2015)

By Muhammad Nuruddin, inkjet print on canvas, 40.6x61cm

The artist documents family portraits taken on wedding days to narrate the relationships and structure within a family. For example, parents are usually the ones seated on chairs rather than the bride and groom - this symbolises respect. "I love documenting weddings because I am able to experience how family members love, care for and treat one another," he says.

Street Tango (2015)

By Ben Yap, archival photo print with Plexiglas mounting, 80x120cm

This long-exposure shot of crowds moving through a bustling crossroads was inspired by a line in Mexican poet Manuel Maples Arce's long-form poem City: Bolshevik Superpoem In 5 Cantos, which the artist says translates to: "The city functions like a human being; the heart pulsates to the movement of the masses, streaming through its veins collectively."

Untitled (2007)

By Matthew Teo, inkjet print on photo paper, 42x29.7cm

Through this image, the artist says he intended to "take an intimate look into my personal journey in the army" and to capture the transition of boys to men during national service.

Fluitante, I / Haziq (2014)

By Tan Chu Jie, digital print on Hahnemuhle paper, 42.0x59.4cm

The artist's shot of a person in the shower "evokes a sense of tenderness, hurt and sheer vulnerability". He says: "Casting off one's clothes equates to casting off inhibitions and a connection can be established between photographer and subject."

Vibes series (2015)

By Ian Gay, archival print on fine art paper, dimension variable

This photograph of a man hiding in grass is part of the artist's series exploring the human psyche. He believes that every photograph he takes consists of fragments of himself.

Amidst The Colours #11 (2015)

By Sebastian Mary Tay, giclee print on brilliant lustre paper, 64x84cm

This pastel blue and pink gradient artwork is part of a series by the artist, who is interested in how landscapes provide a theatrical space for colours to manifest. Tay is currently pursuing a Master of Research in Creative Practices degree at the Glasgow School of Art.

Untitled series (2014)

By Himi Fong, digital print on matt fine art paper, 12.7x19cm

The foggy landscape represents the artist's state of mind after she graduated from Nafa. She had hoped to pursue a degree in fine art, specifically photography, but chose a different course she did not enjoy. She says: "I felt like I was constantly lost and could never find my way out."

Serene series (2015)

By Koh Chaik Hong, inkjet print on photo paper, 73.5x88cm

The artist chose to photograph people who spend their weekends away from the bustle of city life in Singapore, preferring to camp, fish and get in touch with nature. He adds: "These photographs portray my subjects in the natural environment."

WHERE: Lim Tak Hai Gallery, 80 Bencoolen Street, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Campus 1 MRT: Little India WHEN: Till May 12, 11am to 7pm daily. Closed on Monday and public holiday ADMISSION: Free INFO: www.nafa.edu.sg/events/photomakers-of-nafa

Lee Jian Xuan

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 01, 2016, with the headline Hour At The Museum: Photomakers Of Nafa. Subscribe