HOME IN BATU PAHAT

Batu Pahat, a small town in Johor, is the born place for Sanren.

Batu Pahat means a lot to Sanren. Other than it’s unique old street landscape, the people here is also a treasure. After flagging its name here for almost 4 years, Sanren team decided to plan a special give back to their own motherplace.

Lead by Rayson, Sanren team initiated this project at the end of October2019. From collecting old stories, interviewing to refurnishing the exhibition space, the team took almost two months to complete it.

Other than being well-known as a photography studio, Sanren has organised many events and exhibition for the past few years. Besides reminiscing the old Batu Pahat, Sanren marked the end of 2019 with this exhibition.

Almost 500 participants attended this exhibition within the two days.

Posters was designed and released a week before the exhibition.

All these photos was shot by using film camera.

“Who’s that inside that picture?” “"It’s you Uncle !”

Mr. Lin with his portrait, taken by YanDha.

The sudden appearance of Mr. Lin to the exhibition brings a huge meaning to the team. The lively atmosphere suddenly turns quiet when Mr. Lin step his foot into the space. Many shed tears when he was quietly watching the flashback video played during the exhibition.

A mini “photo-box”, inspired by pin hole camera, who built by Andy Lim bring joy to the people. The two sticks attached to the box allowed participants to scroll pictures while viewing pictures through the small hole.

Mr. Sim, a teacher who is passionate in collecting Batu Pahat’s history, also shared his stories during the exhibition.

Total around of 183 Batu Pahat people’s portrait was shot before the event. All the pictures was printed out on coffee-spilled rice paper.

The background stories of the people was also printed and given out to the participants. To make sure all participants understand the motive behind this exhibition, they were guided and explained by the team member during the exhibition tour.

This exhibition also attracted photographers of different races.

The team also prepared a PDF version of the exhibition handout so the participants can view the stories through mobile phone.

A letter from China .

To enrich the participants’ experience, the team collected old photos, pieces and collection from many sources. The picture above show the old class photo of 1950s Batu Pahat Chinese High School.

Mr. Lin, after visiting the exhibiton.

The space before the transformation by Sanren team.

All decorations were handcrafted by the team.

This exhibition was also made to China Press.

Some behind the scenes during home visiting to the old people of Batu Pahat.

The progress of making “kueh” by Mdm. Teoh.

“We hope this exhibition does not only bring meaning to us, but also shine a spotlight to this place, Batu Pahat and the people.” mentioned Sanren team.

In their future planning, Sanren will want to organised more events like this, which bring humane influence to the society.

special thanks to 90degree team