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Singapore International Photography Festival returns in 2020 for seventh edition

©Liu Ying. It Can Be Better series.
©Liu Ying. It Can Be Better series.

The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) is back this year for its seventh edition, featuring myriad artworks by renowned and budding international and local artists based on the theme Departing and Arriving.

From 5 November 2020 to 30 January 2021, the biennial festival illustrates the exploration of modern human movements and perceptions against current societal constraints. Set amidst the global pandemic, the theme takes on a heightened meaning as it emphasises the eventual arrival of understanding identity and belonging through a journey of departure.

As with many events during COVID-19 restrictions, the programme will be split between physical exhibition spaces and virtual discussion sessions.

©Nguan. Singapore.
©Nguan. Singapore.

Besides photography exhibitions, there will be curated tours and masterclass seminars, where participants can get portfolio reviews of their works.

Exhibits and programmes will be held at various dates and locations over the three-month duration of SIPF. The locations are 37 Emerald Hill, DECK, ArtScience Museum, Esplanade Tunnel, and seven Downtown Line MRT Stations – Beauty World, Rochor, Chinatown, Newton, Little India, Bugis, and Bencoolen.

©Rodrigo Enzalo Encinar. <i>Rimba</i> series. This series of photographs by Encinar explores identity and technology through the Orang Rimba, a group of indigenous people of South Sumatra.
©Rodrigo Enzalo Encinar. Rimba series.

SIPF will be collaborating with ArtScience Museum on an exhibition titled Margins: drawing pictures of home, which will present the works of contemporary Singaporean photographers who reflect on timely topics important to the nation.

“Despite the challenges of this year, we are hoping to continue our role as the region’s leading platform to discover, nurture and propel Southeast Asian photographers onto the international stage,” said Gwen Lee, director and co-founder of SIPF and festival organiser, DECK. “The festival aims to introduce the art of photography to the layperson and professionals alike. This year’s theme of Departing and Arriving takes on a reflective approach to push the audience into exploring their identity, and in turn, understanding their sense of belonging within themselves and the confines of their society.”

For more about SIPF, visit the festival website here.