honorable mention
Karolina Nowosielska norway
title
The Faces of Bukit Brown
The estate of the cemetery covers 80-hectare in the heart of Singapore, with estimated 100 000 graves. Many of the tombs are architectural gems that reflect on the local tradition and heritage. The cemetery is also a resting place for those who contributed to Singapore as it is now. Furthermore, Bukit Brown is home for many species of birds. With its exceptionally lush greenery, the cemetery resembles a beautiful garden.
Unfortunately, this unique monument of local heritage is now facing destruction. The authorities have proposed a construction of a new road that would relieve the heavy traffic on the nearby Lornie Road. The construction would affect at least 50 % of the graves. Despite of the protest from conservation societies, the construction started in 2013. Within 40 years, the authorities are planning to clear the entire area of the Bukit Brown and to introduce there a housing programme
The intention of this project was to catch the last glimpse of this significant area. Since 2008, I have regularly visited the Bukit Brown. Each time I would wander for hours around the alleys of this lush garden, I would be touched by its peacefulness and serenity. But the very element that would touch my heart most, these were the portraits on the tombs. These images tell us about the lives of those who found their final rest here. Some of these people died decades ago, so have their families and friends. Thus, these photographs might be the only reminders of their appearance. It is heart-breaking to think that these very last mementos are soon going to fade into oblivion.
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entry description
Bukit Brown cemetery, also called Kopi Sua was officially opened in 1922. Between 1922 and 1973, Bukit Brown was the only public Chinese cemetery in Singapore. In 1970s the graveyard was abandoned.The estate of the cemetery covers 80-hectare in the heart of Singapore, with estimated 100 000 graves. Many of the tombs are architectural gems that reflect on the local tradition and heritage. The cemetery is also a resting place for those who contributed to Singapore as it is now. Furthermore, Bukit Brown is home for many species of birds. With its exceptionally lush greenery, the cemetery resembles a beautiful garden.
Unfortunately, this unique monument of local heritage is now facing destruction. The authorities have proposed a construction of a new road that would relieve the heavy traffic on the nearby Lornie Road. The construction would affect at least 50 % of the graves. Despite of the protest from conservation societies, the construction started in 2013. Within 40 years, the authorities are planning to clear the entire area of the Bukit Brown and to introduce there a housing programme
The intention of this project was to catch the last glimpse of this significant area. Since 2008, I have regularly visited the Bukit Brown. Each time I would wander for hours around the alleys of this lush garden, I would be touched by its peacefulness and serenity. But the very element that would touch my heart most, these were the portraits on the tombs. These images tell us about the lives of those who found their final rest here. Some of these people died decades ago, so have their families and friends. Thus, these photographs might be the only reminders of their appearance. It is heart-breaking to think that these very last mementos are soon going to fade into oblivion.
about the photographer
Fine art photographer wth passion for documenting the local traditions and heritage.back to gallery