We first noticed photographer Lavender Chang when we came across her series entitled Block 12, My Territory, My Dignity, which depicts the interiors of one-room HDB units built for senior citizens with financial difficulties. We were so struck by the sparse quietness of the images, we decided to put one on the cover. Here she tells us more about that project and her upcoming show.
What were the residents like?
The residents were friendly. Some even offered me to have lunch together. I still go back to visit sometimes.
Tell us about your new show.
I am a Seed Though a Different One From You is a new series that I have been working on for the past year. I experimented with growing varieties of beans in diverse mediums such as carbonate drink, Chinese ink, milk and blood— metaphors of the struggles and obstacles individuals face in life.
What’s your process like?
Humans are the main subject in my work. My artwork takes a very long time to produce because I value process. It requires me to engage people to be part of the process, regardless of whether or not you see them physically in the artwork— unlike street photography, which is more observation.
Catch Lavender Chang’s new show at Galerie Sogan & Art (16 Mohamed Sultan Rd., 6440-4886), Mar 19-Apr 8. www.lavchang.com. Free.
