Alvin Ng
Writing and Photos By Alvin Ng
Photo Editing By Tram Huynh
About The Artist:
"Driven by an unwavering passion for humanity's journey of self-discovery and the enigmatic realms of spirituality, Alvin Ng has spent the past six years immersed in the ebb and flow of daily life. This profound exploration has brought him face-to-face with diverse worlds, from the mystical Hindu Aghoris at the pyres of Varanasi to unraveling ancient legends of gods and men, all within the context of the modern world. As a photographic artist, Ng employs the medium of photography to interweave the threads of antiquity and modernity. Through meticulous hand-manipulation of photographic prints and the fusion of mythical narratives, he embark on imaginative, non-linear storytelling that transcends the constraints of time. The resulting images are imbued with an aura of intimacy and mystery, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate relationships between humankind, the natural world, and the fluidity of time." Alvin Ng, a Southeast Asian photographic artist currently based in Singapore, formally channels these creative expressions. His works embody the merging of past and present, utilizing hand-manipulated prints to delve into the rich tapestry of Humanity's mythic heritage. With an aim to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, Alvin's art invites viewers on a journey that transcends temporal boundaries.
About The Project: Saṃsāra
Samsara is a visual reflection of my relationship with the balance of the world and its natural elements. First started in 2018 on a trip to the pyres of Varanasi, the work began in earnest in Singapore in 2020 at the time of the pandemic, where the world we once knew changed forever, casting us into the dark ocean of uncertainty and loss. Overwhelmed by the chaos of the world and the endings of connections once thought permanent, I turned inwards to question myself and the relationship I have with my surroundings as a means of escape and reflection. Aided by the teachings of the Buddhist doctrines Anitya (Impermanence), Samsara (Cycle of life), and the ancient Chinese book of wisdom known as the I Ching, I began to comprehend the rhythmic cycle of all life and its harmonious connection with each other. As I immersed myself into my surroundings, releasing all attachments and existing simply as a living element in sync with all other living elements, I discovered a sense of tranquillity and realms of mystical mysteries. This impermanent state in which all elements merge and dissolve, birth and eventual death, creates a balance, an equilibrium cycle for all living things in our present world. Drifting away to the currents of the 'Flow', I follow its uncharted course, embracing the various forms of beginnings and endings, listening to the messages they whisper and deciphering their meanings.
You can view more of Alvin’s work on his website and Instagram.
