“ The Old Place | 老地方 ”
2019
scale. 1/24
size. L19cm x W30cm x H18cm
mixed media. wood, foamboard, paper, mirror, clay, etc.
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This diorama is a recreation of a real barbershop located in Kampung Jawa, Melaka. The inspiration for this artwork came from my occasional visits to the barbershop while taking walks along Melaka river. To my surprise, the friendly barber invited me inside, encouraging me to capture more photos of the shop. Engaging in a delightful conversation with him, I felt a connection that inspired me to create a miniature representation of his barbershop.
Motivated by the meaningful encounter, I returned to Melaka twice to share the completed artwork with the barber. Sadly, during the pandemic (early of 2020), I received the heart-breaking news that he had passed away, and the barbershop, a place filled with memories, had closed its doors for good. This diorama now holds a special place in my heart, serving as a treasured memento of the time we spent together and the barbershop's significance.
Every element of the diorama is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the real barbershop, from the vintage barber chairs and traditional tools to the Old Master Q comic I used to read as a kid. Through this artwork, I hope to honour the memory of the barber, his passion for his craft, and the cultural heritage embodied by his barbershop.
2019
scale. 1/24
size. L19cm x W30cm x H18cm
mixed media. wood, foamboard, paper, mirror, clay, etc.
-
This diorama is a recreation of a real barbershop located in Kampung Jawa, Melaka. The inspiration for this artwork came from my occasional visits to the barbershop while taking walks along Melaka river. To my surprise, the friendly barber invited me inside, encouraging me to capture more photos of the shop. Engaging in a delightful conversation with him, I felt a connection that inspired me to create a miniature representation of his barbershop.
Motivated by the meaningful encounter, I returned to Melaka twice to share the completed artwork with the barber. Sadly, during the pandemic (early of 2020), I received the heart-breaking news that he had passed away, and the barbershop, a place filled with memories, had closed its doors for good. This diorama now holds a special place in my heart, serving as a treasured memento of the time we spent together and the barbershop's significance.
Every element of the diorama is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the real barbershop, from the vintage barber chairs and traditional tools to the Old Master Q comic I used to read as a kid. Through this artwork, I hope to honour the memory of the barber, his passion for his craft, and the cultural heritage embodied by his barbershop.
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