Photo projects by participants of the Young Photographers’ Mentorship Programme (YPMP) 2023

Wandering Wondering
Young Photographers’ Mentorship Programme Class of 2023 Exhibition
Featuring works by the participants of YPMP 2023 – Chan Jia Ying, EZC,  Firdaus Imran, Jovin Lee, Paige Gan, Tự-Anh Đặng (Ben), Valerie Siah, Zhang Xuanqi (Jack Axel Zhang)

1 Aug to 18 Aug 2024
Opening: Thu 1 Aug, 7pm – 9pm
Objectifs Chapel Gallery

Artist Tour | Chapel Gallery, Objectifs:
Session: Sat, 3 Aug | 2pm – 3pm

Led by curator Chelsea Chua and participants Chan Jia Ying, Firdaus Imran, Jovin Lee, Valerie Siah

RSVP here

 

Meditations on the self, relationships and their surroundings occupy the works of eight participants of the Youth Photographers’ Mentorship Programme 2023. This exhibition is an invitation to walk alongside these young artists as they embrace a variety of approaches to image-making, presenting stories of family, friendship, home and affirmation.

In these works, the making of the image entails a process of discovery and self-reflection. In turn, the images become portals to untidy histories and maps of complicated emotions, bearing witness to the desires and exigencies of youth.

The Young Photographers’ Mentorship Programme (YPMP) aims to develop the artistic voice and ambitions of emerging photographers. Through a two-week mentorship programme, participants had the opportunity to learn from some of the region’s foremost young artists and photographers as mentors. The process encouraged them to explore and experiment with image-based work, and deepen their understanding of the creative and professional possibilities in photography. The programme was formerly known as the Shooting Home Youth Awards.

About the participants of YPMP 2023

Chan Jia Ying ’s photography journey began during her volunteer work for SAW 2022, where she immersed herself in the vibrant local arts scene. Inspired by her visual arts background, photography intertwined with personal narratives soon became her cherished medium. Her work centers on themes of agency and quiet resilience rooted in her lived experiences.

EZC is a student photographer and an aspiring anthropologist. His work is inspired by personal experiences of migration and colonisation. Informed by his background in the social sciences, EZC seeks to use photography as a space to draw anthropological insights while pondering on artistic narratives of the human experience. 

Firdaus Imran is currently majoring in Diploma in Fine Art at NAFA(Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts). Specializing in time-based mediums, he explores narrative human photography to express stories, emotions, and ideas often in an intimate, sentimental, or romantic manner. His nature of studies revolves around family, relationships, and himself as an individual.

Jovin Lee is a creative who enjoys discovering new ways of seeing and making sense of the everyday. For her, image-making is a way to do just that while also understanding herself.

Paige Gan hopes to be a photographer who can appeal to others’ emotions and ignite a sense of wonder in them. Lights, shadows and textures are motivating subjects for her, and she hopes to reveal a unique perspective of life through her work. Through photography, she endeavours to reflect the beauty and depth of unexpected places in our surroundings.

Tự-Anh Đặng (Ben) (b. 2003) is a Vietnamese student at Fulbright (Vietnam). In his practices, he utilizes photography to delve into the concept of reality and explore the complexities of human conditions and social codes that often go unquestioned, challenging societal norms and the dominant understanding of human memories, relationships, and experiences.

Valerie Siah is an artist of various mediums. Photography is a way for her to make sense of the world. She photographs everything on the fly. Her diaristic snapshot style is born out of her belief that every single second is worth recording.

Jack Axel Zhang or Xuanqi Zhang (b. 2001), embraces film photography as a meditative journey. His work, characterized by tranquility and aesthetics, aims to evoke pleasure and create immersive experiences. Through his lens, he invites viewers to escape into moments of serene beauty and contemplation, fostering a deeper connection to the subtle wonders of life.