On being a female photographer in Asia
Our world has been perceived through the male gaze for a very long time, particularly the western male gaze. This is being challenged and questioned in our times.
It is incredibly inspiring to be part of this movement for change and pivotal for me as an Asian female photographer to lend my voice and capture the stories and lives of others through my perception and experiences shaped by my upbringing in Singapore.
“Escape” – captured during Festival no.6, an eclectic summer music festival held annually at Portmeirion, Northern Wales. Festival Revellers take part in activities such as sailing and swimming while enjoying a diverse range of music performances in the village.
On change
I think the change is slowly unfolding. I would love to see more perspectives from not only female photographers but female photographers and male photographers alike from diverse backgrounds. We have to broaden the opportunities for photographers of colour and if we do not have this, it greatly limits our understanding of life and the world in general.
Blowing Bubbles Amongst a Procession – This was taken at Jaffna, Northern-east province of Sri Lanka. While shooting my documentary work, I took a break to explore a Tamil Hindu procession being celebrated on KKS road. A glimmer of hope for a country which has been so troubled by 26 years of civil war and even though the war has ended in 2009. Sri Lanka is still on a long road of recovery. A glimmer of hope over here a young girl having fun with her mother and friends on looking over her.
On her heroes
Wow I have a long list! Off the top of my head is Sim Chi Yin who is a Singaporean photographer herself and was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize photographer 2017. She is the biggest inspiration to many of us Asian female photographers.
Fishermen Returning to the Beach – The crow beach at Jaffna allows you to witness fisherman and crows alike tussling over their best catch of the day. Here is one of a more senior Fisherman returning back to the market after fishing for 5 hours to sell his catch of the day.
Restless Boys and Girls – These Tamil children were waiting eagerly to watch the Miss Jaffna contest at Sri Lanka, but because they did not buy the tickets to watch the show, they decided to climb and wait over this podium to catch a nice view of the contest which was about to begin.
Waiting and Wondering at KKS Road – This was taken at Jaffna, Northern-east province of Sri Lanka. Day to day life of Tamils waiting for their commute on the famous KKS road.
Amrita was named one of the ‘30 under 30’ in a global showcase of rising young documentary photographers. Her powerful visual documentations have been featured in The New York Times, BBC World and Dagbladet. She often makes it a point to be on the ground which gives her valuable insights into the issues of displacement and struggles which feature prominently in her work. A PIXERF brand ambassador, she’s also a passionate advocate of growing a visual community here in Asia.