Born in 1962, Siew Kee-Liong is a Singaporean artist who works with the medium of photography. His artistic journey began at the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Motion Pictures in 1989 and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography in 1991. His education formed the foundation for his distinctive approach to art, which can be seen in his three main areas of focus: Materialism in Photographic Film, Found Objects, and People Photography.

Materialism in Photographic Film

Drawing inspiration from the Experimental Film movement of the 1960s, Kee-Liong treats film base (negative and positive) as a canvas, allowing it to become a medium for artistic expression. He employs organic techniques such as scratching, staining, burning, and even embracing the interaction of mold and fungus with the emulsion. By incorporating these methods, Kee-Liong adds a distinct texture and visual depth to his photographs, showcasing the physicality and materiality of the film medium. After manipulating the film base, he takes advantage of digital darkroom techniques to further enhance and refine the images. By combining analog and digital processes, he establishes a harmonious contrast that not only challenges the traditional limits of photography but also prompts viewers to reassess the potential of artistic expression.

Found Objects

Found Objects represent another facet of Kee-Liong’s artistic practice, where he uses discarded items as subjects for his analog photography. Through his lens, he uncovers the often-overlooked beauty and significance of these objects, transforming them into visual narratives. His photographs of broken lens, used gloves, fragile plates, and discarded corkscrews serve as a catalyst for introspection, awakening a deep reflection on the ephemerality of existence. Objects can evoke nostalgia, joy, sadness, or curiosity. They can be destroyed, cherished, neglected, and lost. By presenting these objects in a large print and displayed in an unexpected way, Kee-Liong invites viewers to reconsider their perception of ordinary items and find deeper meaning within them. His works challenge the conventional notions of photography as a medium of representation, and invite the viewer to question the meaning and value of the objects and images he presents.

People Photography

In People Photography, Kee-Liong predominantly showcases B&W photographs that capture the essence and depth of individuals. These evocative portraits draw viewers into the subjects’ worlds, evoking a range of emotions. With his storytelling sense shaped by his background in film and photography, Kee-Liong creates a connection between the image and the viewer, inviting them to explore the complexities of human experience thru the gaze – a connection between the subject and the viewer that engage the audience on a personal level.

継良 / keeliong • 萧

Kee-Liong is an artist who combines photography, film, and storytelling in his work. His visual narratives explore the idea of holding a fleeting moment of life as a way to acknowledge and appreciate its very existence. His artistic philosophy reflects his influence from I Ching (易經) Hexagram 59: “Dispersion” or 渙. The notion of ‘dissolution is a natural phase of life’ underpins his entire body of work.  Whether it involves manipulating film, exploring found objects, or creating captivating portraits, Kee-Liong invites viewers to appreciate the beauty found in everyday life and to reflect on the nature of its impermanence.