Interview by Rui Pastorin
Veteran photographer Vong Sek Kuan is presenting a series of images featuring his signature “camera shaking” technique, where photos are seemingly turned into paintings – with no filters or editing involved.
Kicking off its over month-long run with a formal opening ceremony last night at Amagao Gallery in Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, the launch of the “FLOWING LIGHT • RADIANT COLOURS” solo exhibition was attended by numerous guests, including Vong’s students and admirers of his work.
Running through September 19, each photo is presented exactly as it was shot, incorporating Vong’s imagination to transform a real scene into his own creative vision. The exhibition is curated by Victor Marreiros from Amagao Gallery and Ieong Man Pan from 1844 Macau Photography Art Space.
In his speech, Vong highlighted that in the process of creating his exhibits, the camera was more than a tool that simply captured what was in front of him; instead, he used it to bridge reality and imagination. By capturing movement, light, and emotion directly in-camera without post-editing, he turned a single moment into a rich visual story, as summarised by the event’s MC.
Elaborating further, Vong – who teaches photography and has worked within the discipline his entire life – told the Post after the ceremony that the technique involves not only the camera, but also the mind and body, particularly through the speed and gesture of shaking the camera. Used in tandem, these elements help transform a scene from objective reality into what his mind perceives, using the camera as a paintbrush to depict not just the world around him, but the one within his imagination.
Developing his technique was a lengthy process, involving years of experimentation and refinement to achieve its current style, he said. But that’s all part of the process, he noted, adding that all artists experiment and seek to innovate through change to improve their skills – a mindset he continues to hold.
With this exhibition, Vong said he’s delighted to present his work at the gallery and hopes guests will take the opportunity to visit it throughout the exhibition period.
The gallery, managed by Galeria 57 (which has been active in Macau since 2005), is located in the lobby of the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau. Members of the public can view the works until September 19. The gallery is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays).
Veteran local photographer Vong Sek Kuan delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of his solo exhibition “FLOWING LIGHT • RADIANT COLOURS” at Amagao Gallery in Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
