Wei Hao’s Individual Material Curation
Wet markets are increasingly becoming a thing of the past with the reduction in traditional wet markets over the years. This poses a problem for our society, as wet markets serve not only as a community space for residents, but also as a marker of heritage and local culture.
#1
Wet markets are dedicated communal places. They provide opportunities for social interaction, especially among various races in Singapore, as seen above.
Depth is employed, in terms of interposition. Both customers and shop vendors, who are in front, appear closer to us. There is also implied movement. The younger shop vendor has his hand outstretched, prepared to receive money from his customer. Another customer has his finger pointed at the fresh food on display. Despite activity, the lack of youth suggests that wet markets are becoming obsolete.
There is graphic movement as the well-composed photo makes our eyes wander around to understand what is happening. Using mise-en-scene, we can tell that there is adequate lighting in this location, helping the customers to analyse the food on display. Yet, the intentional black and white colouring could be symbolic of how wet markets, while popular among some, face external pressures, like space constraints. These are circumstances beyond our control.
I find it a shame that people seem to understate the importance of wet markets. This photo reeks of melancholy. There is much that can be done to give people an alternative perspective and allow them to experience the beauty of wet markets.
Source:
http://www.ghettosingapore.com/tekka-centre-epicentre-of-little-india/
#2
There are numerous stereotypes about wet markets. The seemingly wet pathway towards the right, confirms this — these places are dirty and ‘uncool’.
Visual cues of form are employed by neatly aligned rows of stalls. They form lines, helping to direct and create texture. This orderliness helps debunk stereotypes about messiness.
Using gestalt theories of similarity, we group similar items, like Styrofoam boxes together. They are scattered across the image in small groups. We also group the shop vendors together, as they work. Just like how Styrofoam boxes are thrown away, the vendors may be toiling in vain, especially since they were difficult to spot.
There is continuation on the extremities of the image as the frame ends. We can infer that there are more stalls and complete the image in our head. This helps us predict the size of the wet market.
Some stalls are lit up while others are not. This may be symbolic of the hope that this generation of vendors have for wet markets, or the lack thereof. Many, especially the younger generation, prefer supermarket chains instead. The lack of activity suggests off peak hour or closing time. Maybe it is truly ‘closing time’ for good.
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