Exhibition Launch On 25 July 2014

A Day To Remember: Memorable And Inspiring Event For All

It has beem quite some time I get to do up my posts for this memorable event due to some stuff on hand. I have put this to-do item of posting about the event high up on my priority list and so here am I wanting to update more about that very special day for all people involved. Disclaimer/Credits: Some of the Photos were taken from Project Dreamcatchers fb page with permission and by no means meant to do any illegal stuff to the photos. **Picture credit: Project Dreamcatchers Photographers!! **

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25 July 2014

It certainly has been a nervous day for me and of course I knew that the Photovoice team and the NUH team have been working feverishly for this exhibition. I herby thanks them for all their dedication, hardwork, effort and all of the tears and sweat put in into making this a success. With their support and motivation, we have come thus far into this journey!

When I arrived at the exhibition venue at SMU, the event has already begun and was kickstarted by a speech by Professor Daniel Goh and the number who turned up was overwhelming and I was touched to see the number who came to support this exhibition, to witness the inspirational event and see for themselves how inspiring our artists are.

It was followed by a speech by Jennifer one of the in-charge from the PHOTOVOICE team invited to say a few words as to how she felt. I was feeling really touched from all the speeches that feelings started to surge all over my body making my goosebumps appear as I am feeling real touched that we can all come together as a team amd create these beautiful memories and telling our stories through the lens. It was a wonderful experience to be collaberating eith Photovoice SG and walking this JOURNEY with us. It has been a great great journey and I am thankful and grateful to Photovoice SG in letting me and the artists know a bunch of wonderful people. From the Photovoice team, the Mentor photographers, the program administrators, to the volunteers, everyone was so willing to help and come together allowing us to forge stronger bonds together.

A commendation to our emcees Sarah Tan for her bravery to stand infront of so many guests and still host so beautifully.

Next up, we have two of our artists share about their artwork and the meaning behind their work. Let’s put our hands together to give a round of applause to Toh Keat Siang to share about his artwork. Keat Siang, please!

Picture from Projectdreamcatchers FB page

Title of his work: Life as Water

Another Artist is Jane Tan who is 27 and uses a video tribute to convey the message to be as optimistic as her in times of struggles and to never give up despite many difficulties in life. Many wete deeply touched by her and I was no exception! Good Job, Jane!!!!

Picture from Projectdreamcatchers FB page

Title of her work: A life of breakthroughs

Next, was speech made by Dr Teo Cheng Rong a pediatric resident from NUH who also came to the exhibition last year. He was describing how he knew Jane and how doctors can actually treat illnesses and diseases and yet somehow neglected the emotional needs of patients. So, Dr Teo encouraged Jane to write about what she wants to say and how she feels expressing all her feelings on paper and eventually Dr Teo understood more of Jane in this way. I could feel from his expression that Dr Teo felt very happy that this book is finally out and it is a wish of Jane to convey the message to be optimistic. This book was a great effort by the whole team. Good Job!

Next moments, I declared the opening of Project Dreamcatchers 2014!! Woohoo!!!

Time to mingle with the crowds and PICTURE TIME!

My Exhibition Lanyard and I feel ever so honored to wear it!

Shaking the hands of congratulatory Hands of my guests.

Receiving Bouquets of Sunflowers, thanks for brightening up my day!!

Loving the bouquets of flowers!

After some mingling with the guests and hugging, I decided to go one round around the exhibition gallery to see the artwork of all the artists and to go around taking picture with them. I am ever so grateful for Berdanette and Poi Wong for taking good care of me, this is indeed the spirit of Group 1! Thanks to Group 1, artists and all guests, I have a great time enjoying myself posing for the camera. Talking about picturre taking, I have many photographers helping me with picture taking. Thanks for that! <3

Berdanette’s Artist Statement

Berdanette’s title of work: Have You Eaten?

Poi Wong’s Artist Statement
Title of Work: Isolation

Lynn’s Artist Statement
Title of work: My Medical Journey

Sarah’s Title Of Work: My Imaginary World	Agnes’s aka my Artist Statement
Agnes’s title of work: Life In My Shoes; My Life, My Perspctive	Agnes’s shoes pictures depicting standing from different people’s shoes to look at things.

Let the pictures do the talking instead since “A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words”

ME with Auntie Jenny!!	Picture w Uncle Alfred!
Picture w Le Sister <3	Picture with le Aunt n Auntie Libuay!

For moore event Pictures, pls go to PROJECT DREAMCATCHERS FB page 🙂

Overall, I had a rreally good and enjoyable experience not only during the launch but also in the 10 weeks of the workshop sessions at Aliwal Arts Centre. I have learned a lot about photography and I missed the sessions with my beloved Group 1. My lovely Group 1 really took care of me!!

From the session, I could also sense the close-knitted of the groups and their mentors and the willingness to help one another. The participants were also spontaneous and adventurous to approach strangers for self-potrait or selfies or even a group picture. What is even more commendable is that through this workshop, many people have gained the courage to approach anyone for a picture in the name of photography. For me, I discovered new things about myself and find that taking photographs is not only a norm or way to tell ur stories! It is also a theraptic way to tell myself to be positive, looking back at those fond memories that are no longer there is a way to keep the sweet memories closest to our heart and in turn treasure the things we have now.

Finally, I would like to thanks the following for their wonderful support, help and encouragment in this project, the PHOTOVOICE SG team, the NUH team (including doctors and nurses for their unwavering support towards this project), System Sovereign(designing of exhibition catalogue), the NYC(National Youth Council), Mentor Photographers, Admins, Workshop Host, Volunteers, Kar Wai, Hwee Hwee and all involved. Thanks for making all this possible for us, making dreams into reality and accompanying us on this Journey and salute all our artists for thir courage, bravey and determination to make this a success. Loves, xoxo, till we meet again! Really enjoyed the accompany of all.