Chua Soo Bin : Truths & Legends

I went to Wu Guanzhong Gallery on 06 Feb 2020, inside is demonstrating Chua Soo Bin’s photographic work. I have not taken any photo inside of the gallery as I thought that is is not allowed to take. Actually, it is allowed to take photos but without any flash.

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Chua Soon Bin: Truth & Legends pay tribute to Chua’s significant body of photographic work as well as the many various ways that he has contributed to the arts scene in Singapore. The main focus of the exhibitions is Legends, a labour of love that Chua undertook in his 50s after decades of working as a photographer in the advertising industry. Chua noticed the lack of proper photographic documentation of Chinese ink master that he greatly admired. Only with a letter of introduction from artist Huang Miao Zi, Chua embarked on the project, which subsequently took him four years to complete. He photographed a total of individuals in his bid to “capture the art, talent, erudition and exceptional personalities of a generation of ink masters.”

Date: 6 Dec 2019 – 6 Sep 2020

Location: City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery, National Gallery Singapore

About Chua Soo Bin:

Chua Soo Bin was born in 1932. He is a Singaporean photographer who has pack several careers into one lifetime. He is renowned as a photographer, art director, art dealer and patron. His deep relationship with art tying together these different facets of his life.

Chua’s Quote:

” To truly understand a person in your photography takes time.”

Chua Soo Bin, 2017

” There is more meaning in capturing something ugly in a beautiful way, than in capturing something which is already beautiful.”

Chua Soo Bin

Gallery Highlights:

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After visiting the gallery, I think it is impressive. Every photographic work of Chua is in black and white. I also love black and white photography, but mostly I will apply it in street photography or some old building or streets only. Besides, every image that he has captured also has quite its long story. I have noticed one thing; he is not a technical photographer but is a skill-based photographer as he didn’t really mention what camera is he using. He is emphasizing in the storytelling of his photos. Other than that, I really love one of his quotes very much which is ” There is more meaning in capturing something ugly in a beautiful way, than in capturing something which is already beautiful”, which I also agree with him. In conclusion, if you are interested in black and white portrait, you can take a visit to this gallery, and it is free!!!

References:

National Gallery Singapore. (n.d.). Chua Soo Bin: truths & legends. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgallery.sg/exhibitions/chua-soo-bin-truths-and-legends?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_YnJnuvr5wIVyworCh0vJQCXEAAYASAAEgK9B_D_BwE