The dwellings of the Bajau Laut sea gypsy community, off the coast of Borneo, are a rapidly vanishing sight. I wanted to capture how their lifestyle harmonizes with nature, and brings a sense of balance and equilibrium with man and his environment.
“To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.”
– William Blake
Inspired by a line from the 18th century British poet and artist, William Blake’s “Auguries of Innocence”, a group of friends who are doctors at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) come together in Eternity in an Hour – A Charity Photography Exhibition on the 20th and 21st of October. Held at artcommune gallery, this two-day only initiative aims to raise funds for charity where 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the KKH Health Fund (Part of the SingHealth Fund), which helps patients and their families, who often have exhausted all options and are in need of financial assistance, for their medical expenses. The other 50% of proceeds will go to the President’s Challenge, as part of KKH’s fundraising contributions towards other segments of society in need of financial assistance.
This exhibition will feature for the first time 30 works by Dr. Arif Tyebally, whose photographic oeuvre covers a span of 20 years travelling across the globe. Just as Blake’s poem, which extolled the transcendent yet fleeting beauty inherent in nature, Dr. Tyebally sees his photography work as a celebration of the little moments in life. Inviting members of the public to enter into a state of poetic imagination, he says, “I think that sometimes we miss the chance to appreciate the beauty around us. Photography for me is a way of capturing the joy that places and people bring. I am happy to share my photography work in the hope that they bring joy to viewers too. Life is far, far more interesting than we can ever imagine: there isn’t a dull moment, nor a moment to lose.”
The organisers of the exhibition are doctors who work in acute and critical care at KKH. When a child is sick, they have witnessed the tolls that illnesses inflict on patients and the families supporting them – physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially. They understand that many families face financial hardship and need encouragement when the going gets tough. Quoting the doctors, “As medical professionals, we are fortunate that we are in a position to help our fellow man. Above and beyond our jobs, we believe we can all do more. Harnessing our passion for art appreciation, photography and philanthropy, we decided to organise this charity photography exhibition. By creating something beautiful and meaningful that also benefits the underprivileged, this exhibition is our commitment to walk with families in need.”
Venue: artcommune gallery, 231 Bain Street, Bras Basah Complex, #03-39 Singapore 180231
When: 20 - 21 Oct 2018, 12noon - 7pm
