It’s true when people said that babies are born clinically and metaphorically color blind- they know no race and discrimination at birth. Today’s Featured Interview brings us John Kam, an up and coming Malaysian photographer who fell in love with photography by accident, and have used his new found skills to celebrate differences and the racial diversity of our beloved country, Malaysia. Read on to learn more about John and his journey!
1. Hi John, please tell us more about yourself!
Hi! I’m John Kam Jing Tow, 23 years old this year and I’m an advertising design student currently studying in Sunway University. I work as an F&B food photographer for brands like The Tokyo Restaurant, Sushi Azabu, Yakiniku Toraji, etc. I got into conceptual photography in March 2018 for an assignment I have to do for one of my courses. I fell in love with it because I love coming up with concepts and storytelling.
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2. What inspired you to get into photography, and why?
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I started taking photos when I first got my iPhone 5s when I was in Form 3. At the time I didn’t know what I was doing and I don’t have a mentor or any guidance on the basic techniques or at least the fundamental knowledge of photography. But I got really motivated from the attention and encouraging comments I got from Instagram and got obsessed with taking pictures to post.
3. Where did you draw inspirations from which have influenced your style of photography?
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I draw inspirations from a lot of places. From nature to “grandfather stories” of my friends or relatives. With the information that’s given to me, I will try to conceptualize it and generate a made-up story with my own interpretation of the story.
4. Please share with us your experience with ROJAK.
It has been an amazing experience working with Daniel and Emma, and some friends. When it comes to portraits, conceptual photography, I have learnt so much from both of them. To be able to work with them on an independent like this meant so much to me. I hope this gives me more insights and help me to grow as a photographer.
5. Did you intend SKINTIGHT to be exploration of skin diversity beyond the ideal shade of fair?
SKINTIGHT is created with an intention to break the stereotype of what’s beautiful that’s being shown to the public by the media. With the amount of skin shades being showcased, I want to remind Malaysians that we have a vast variety of cultures that we can celebrate.
6. How do you feel about skin colors being the reflection in the multicultural and diverse ethnicity of the Malaysian society?
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It proves that skin color is no barrier to unity. Because under all these vibrant colors we are all Malaysians, we have similar values, we celebrate the cultures we have as Malaysians. This is why Malaysia is truly Asia.
8. Do you feel that SKINTIGHT has shed a different light to those who felt different or have been discriminated because of their skin color?
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After the exhibition and posting the series online, I have received many gratitude messages from many Malaysians saying how they are so happy that their races are being showcased and the series made them proud to be Malaysian again. So I think the series had made some impact on Malaysians.
9. We’ve all heard about this slogan before – Malaysia Truly Asia. With your experience with photography so far, Do you think that this statement is true compared to other neighboring Asian countries?
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Good question! Because I truly relate to this. The people I met during the course of making SKINTIGHT had inspired me so much. The passion they have shown reassures me that I’m doing something right, that I’m doing something that’s going to inspire a lot of Malaysians, reminding them that we are strong when we are one.
10. Describe your photography style in 3 words.
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Limitless, Charismatic and Bizarre.
11. What are your advises to budding photographers who would like to do their very own photography exhibition here in Malaysia?
I’d say go ahead, do you, make art! Do what makes you happy, contented.
