venice beach, california | 2017

between salt blue and concrete


In Singapore, men aged typically between 18-23 are conscripted for two years.

I was invited to present my film during my service, and
attained permission to travel to Los Angeles. By that time, I had served a little over
a year in the military, which took a tremendous toll on my mental health. I needed to get away.

On the last day of my trip, with my return impending,
I drove out to Venice Beach for respite, and to ease myself into the transition
The sights and sounds of the ocean, the beach’s iconic skate park
and its vibrant characters stood in stark contrast to the grim reality I was returning to.

With my camera on hand, I set out to capture my last sensations of freedom, inner peace and a longing for youth lost.