Format
Pages: 40pp
Size: A5 (210mm x 148mm)
Material: 190gsm Matt
Print Method: Double-Sided Laser Print Binding
Method: Kettle-Stitch Binding
Material: White Cotton Thread
DIVIDED PERSPECTIVES brings together a collection of images visualising Tiong Bahru as a neighbourhood through different perspectives. The differences in perceptions between outsiders and insiders are being compared in this book.
Driven by the social construct, Tiong Bahru is defined by the perceived authenticity that is formed based on the stereotypical views from outsiders. However, that is not all there is to this neighbourhood. Combining both the outsider’s and insider’s gaze, this book will explore the different perspectives that make up the significance of Tiong Bahru. The goal of this book is to reveal a glimpse of reality in the lives of Tiong Bahru through the lens of an insider. This helps to portray a balanced and less idealised perception of this neighbourhood.
For the book cover, I photographed two contrasting images of HDBs in Singapore as the subject for comparison which reflects the concept and theme of the book. The book cover is computationally designed, using coding techniques such as javascript to generate the effect of movement through sections of the images. As a result, this static cover image possesses shadows of motion and diversion. All photographs were taken by me.
The black and white photographs represent the outsider’s gaze, to present it in a distant and superficial light, Whereas, the insider’s lens are represented through full coloured images as the sentimental values that residents have towards their neighbourhood brings meaning to their perception of the place, similar to the metaphor of how colour brings life to photographs
