A Survey for New Talents
In 2008, the inaugural Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) attracted a whopping 6,600 public submissions of photographic work from photographers around the world. 12% of the total submissions, which were the most outstanding prints, were shortlisted and exhibited across Singapore.The submissions were not restricted to a fixed subject but selected works were grouped according to various themes by the inaugural Festival’s curators – Ark Fongsmut, Chow Chee Yong, Terrence Yeung and Wang Xi.
The 2nd SIPF continues its purpose to unearth new works and talents while incorporating the theme, Human : Nature, to address the universal concerns of the world. There is a duality in this theme and it can be freely interpreted either as ‘Human Nature’ or ‘Human & Nature’; the colon representing a relationship or a balanced ratio between the words. This is an ambitious call for creative interpretation based on the theme, yet, the 550 works from 48 photographers from 23 countries selected by the four festival curators Ark Fongsmut, Bridget Tracy Tan, Chow Chee Yong and Yasufumi Nakamori, continue to inspire the photography community and elevates the understanding of photography.
An International Platform for Photography
The 2nd SIPF prides itself as a platform for Southeast Asian photographers to showcase their works alongside their international counterparts. This time, a solo exhibition has been dedicated to a prominent Southeast Asian photographer, Manit Sriwanichpoom, and henceforth, audience can expect to see the showcase of at least one prominent Southeast Asian photographer in this festival. SIPF also strives to be a platform for emerging photographers in Asia which resulted in a collaborative exhibition between Singapore and South Korea entitled, Human Faces: Contemporary Portrait Photography from Singapore and South Korea.
Photography for Everyone
The width and breadth of SIPF programmes reflect the importance and recent development of photography in Southeast. As we become an increasingly globalised society, Southeast Asian photographers continue to have a genuine and distinct voice in their works, which are both emotive and intelligent. SIPF takes on a dual role for them as no festival has done before, by providing a platform and an opportunity for this professional community, and by broadening public appreciation for photography with free events and activities such as public talks, seminars and forums.
In the years to come there will be stronger focus on Southeast Asia photography which will see the meeting of all Southeast Asia key players and creators in the photography community. For now, we are already looking forward to the 3rd SIPF. Its theme will be announced in October 2011.