Life moves at a quieter rhythm in Kelantan, located in the northeast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a place where I find myself transported back to humble beginnings. As a centuries old living heritage is about to unfold once again.
The human narrative and tales of adventure have always fascinated me. Wayang Gulit is a traditional art form involving puppet shadow play. The puppets are handmade from buffalo skin or cowhide and feature exquisite intricate designs in bright colours. The master puppeteer, locally known as Tok Da Lang, performs behind a backlit cotton screen, accompanied by gamelan and spoken commentary in the local dialogue.
strike their first note, the puppeteer brings the performance to life, unfolding another chapter in the internal battle between good and evil. For me, photography has always been a tool for change, with its ability to capture the present and preserve the past. In my journey to seek keepers of traditional art forms and cultural practices, I aim to capture stories that could be forgotten as we charge towards the future.
I hope my photographs will be able to influence future generations by inspiring renewed interest in this unique art form.