Spectacle
Haw Par Villa, Singapore
145/365
Owned by the Tiger Balm people, Haw Par Villa opened in 1937 and “allowed the public to visit to preserve Chinese heritage by educating the younger generation on important lessons in life” (from a plaque at the site).
Today there are over 1000 statues which make up the most eclectic, bizarre and awesome spectacle of kitsch I have seen in Singapore. The statue scenes range from peaceful buddha to depictions of hell (in bloody graphic glory).
It’s not too hard to get to Haw Par Villa on the circle line and it’s free. It’s worth spending some time here to see if you can wrap your head around the visual stimulation overload.
Moving Stairs
Escalators, Singapore
144/365
Today is a holiday, and since the rain has returned (for the morning, anyway), so has everyone who did not go away this weekend to the mall.
I lasted all of 10 minutes, long enough to see the crowds descending upon Vivocity, before I headed back home to procrastinate and hide.
Incense Coils
Incense Coils, Singapore
143/365
I stopped at a temple on the way to another location where I was planning on doing some awesome night shots. However, I was drawn into the temple by their garish facade. I will be back in better light to shoot it. But, at the moment they were just closing, so all I had time for was a few shots and a quick conversation.
In the end it was good I had this diversion because my planned shoot was a bust. Try as hard as I might I wasn’t able to find a good vantage point. The one I have seen in photos has obviously grown over. I went trekking through bush where all I found was tiny black angry ants. In the end I ended up a hot sweaty mess without much to show for it. But, the effort was definitely there.
Lion of the Chinese Variety
Chinese Lion, Singapore
142/365
One of the projects that my college photography professor assigned us was to shoot a roll of film within a 25 meter radius. The point was to try to get us to notice the details and search out the interesting.
As I get busier I have started to feel like I am in some way doing this project as I get back to my home late and fighting daylight I search out photos around my place. I have to admit I have noticed things in the past few days I haven’t noticed even though I walked by them for the last 140 plus days. So it seems to be effective.
I’m going to try to do some night shots soon. It’s a long weekend this weekend, so I should have some time. I hope.
Shaded Shophouse
Shophouse, Singapore
141/365
More of the (Everton) neighbourhood. I like the amount of greenery shrouding this shophouse.
Club Street Shadows
Club Street, Singapore
140/365
When I arrived in Singapore almost 5 months ago today, I stayed on Club Street for my first few days.
I can’t really put my finger on why I like this composition, but I was drawn to it over the other shots.
Be Seen
Cameras, Singapore
139/365
Singapore is all about being seen.
