Whenever I need inspiration for my projects, I always talk to myself. The young boy in the photo is a representation of the younger me when I was still living in Malaysia. Being Malaysian Chinese, I have experienced inequity and racial discrimination. I felt my voice constantly being suppressed and remain unheard. Photography thus becomes an outlet where I can voice my opinions.
This series was shot to serve as my commentary on the social-political happenings in my hometown of Pengerang, Malaysia. Unfortunately, Pengerang is currently undergoing serious environmental destruction due to the construction of an oil refinery. The scenarios presented in the images are heightened realities. Through the manipulation of the metaphorical relationship between the environment and myself, these meticulously composited imageries also aim to criticize the political situation in contemporary Malaysia.
©2013