WEST OF HERE

West of Here is a series of photographs that explore and challenge conceptions of Asia. In an attempt to ‘dis-Orient’ notions of the Far East and Southeast Asia derived from post-colonial geopolitics, the series re-observes the region in relation to its location, west of here. It includes photographs of storytellers, their landscape, and the objects that both enable but also reflect a mode of life. In doing so, they attempt to give insight into a contemporaneity that moves beyond rigid labels of taste and style expected from regional geography. The bright glow of neon, animating a capitalist logic, moves a society away from the history and ideology of the Red, and towards a State-led market economy where the youth, curious and rebellious, find new meaning in their identities. Anxiety from the dizzying pace is nevertheless quelled by the wisdom of and respect for the elders. Through the cracks of informal street gatherings of a multigenerational society, and amidst the cacophony of industrious growth, we see expressive experimentation with culture, society and self.

*~^^~*