Alvin Ng

According to Buddhism and Hinduism teachings, Devas are deities or higher celestial beings existing in the highest realms, living in contentment and at peace in realms that are unbounded by the strifes of the world. Also known to be invisible to the human eye, they take on all kinds of shapes and forms and to be reincarnated into these realms is considered to be an excellent accumulation of good karma.

This photograph was shot using an analogue camera (Hasselblad 500cm), afterwards, it is hand manipulated on photographic print by using a needle and a light panel, and then digitalized using a digital camera.

 

As to why there are only 5 editions of this photograph, is because, in the doctrine of Samsara, there exist 6 realms, and these editions of 5 represent other realms in existence with the 6th realm representing us in the present. In our present world, we are in the 3rd realm called Manuṣya (human) the balance between the higher and lower realms and the only realm that offers a chance to achieve Impermanence and the end of the Samsara cycle.

This special edition of 16.5 cm (6 ½ inch) by 16.5 cm (6 ½ inch) prints is exclusively only for F22 prints, and does not exist anywhere else around the globe.

Fueled by an enduring passion for humanity's quest for self-discovery, and the mystical realms of spirituality, I’ve been following the ebbs and flow of daily life for the past six years. This has led me to meet and explore, diverse worlds of individuals and communities as mystical as the holy Hindu Aghoris from the Pyres of Varanasi, to the vibrant inner world of cosplaying in the heartlands of Singapore, my own country.

Through the visual language of photography, I listen to people’s stories as they open their world to the light. Like a dancing duet, we create intimate visual narratives in sync with the rhythm of life and the relationships forged. With a glimpse of their wisdom received, I pass on their stories with you.

Formally, Alvin Ng is a Southeast Asian photographer currently based in Singapore who works in photography and research. His works convey a sense of intimacy and mystery based on the intricate relationship between humanity, the natural world, and the various realms of spiritualities.