KANTA Portraits: October 2019

2019-10-26

TALK– Camera– RexKL

Part of a camera event with Buku Tiga Lima, a short talk on the function of the camera and demonstration.

2019-10-07

BUILD– Filter sets

Tian Ya filters

Gradual Neutral Density 2 / 4 / 8

2019-10-06

BUILD– Contact frames

plate holders and contact print

repurpose plate holders as contact print

2019-10-05

BUILD– Pinhole Containers Cameras

choice of cans

standard sizes

sketch of types

needle sizes

assembly

Pynch Camera

2019-10-04

BUILD– Flash sync

sync cord!

fabricate adapter

fabricate switch

2019-10-03

BUILD– Box Cameras

Box camera fleet

extension focusing tube

lens modification

lenses

accordion repair work

2019-10-02

2019 September 25
Acquired a mobile ventilation fan from Makita, Colson Machinery

2019 March 30
Commissioned my mother to attempt the build (sewing)

2018 October 29
Sampling the first Dark Box for sizing and reference for tailoring

2018 September 23
Received dark cloth material, gift from Eden Lee, Taipei, thanks bro!

blackout cloth

plastic covering

opening

mom to the rescue

ventilation solution

Jeffrey JC Lim

Jeffrey Lim’s exploration into photography started with the family’s point & shoot film-camera and the stories behind their black & white photographs. It was later in art school that he discovered the magic of the darkroom and explored deeper into the craft of image-making & printing.

He started experimenting with self-made box cameras utilising pinhole and lenses, and also explored using century-old box cameras, crossing between different mediums and methods to producing an image. At the same time, he started researching his family’s roots through interviews and photographs.

After watching the Afghan Box Camera Project video in 2011, he was inspired to design and build variants of the Kamra. Starting the project Kanta Box Kamra, he built the first four prototypes. He then developed new techniques in reproduction & printing after visiting the exhibition Retrato Popular, Sesc Belenzinho, and studying the Lambe-Lambe cameras of Brasil, he built several other prototypes.

In 2017, he started Kanta Portraits to explore the concepts of identity and the national-construct. Travelling to different parts of the region and many different indigenous communities, he recorded their narratives and in return, gave instant portraits. He is currently archiving the portraits and reflecting on the journey in the hopes of producing an exhibition and publication.

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