Exploring the unexplored Singapore and beyond with Sheva
I have been to Singapore twice and on both of these occasions I saw a city that every other traveler sees. So today let me introduce you to someone who sees the city like a true local would - from inside out. Let's welcome Sheva as he shares his life story and also some tips to explore Singapore like an insider!
So, who is Sheva?
My Name is Siva Shankeran but I go by the alias, Sheva. I am 26 years old and I'm born and bred in Singapore.
I'm working towards becoming a chartered architect. I studied landscape architecture in Temasek polytechnic and then moved on to do my degree in architecture at university of Manchester. I take photographs during my spare time as I've always loved the expressive nature of the art.
Childhood days...
I must say that I've been lucky to have a childhood that I've always looked back on during tough times. It's a whole lot of happy memories hanging around and playing football with the kids around the block. In school i was rather reserved in nature but I always knew when to be mischievous. I was just a very energetic and hyper active kid when it comes to sports and games. I would always remember spending time with my parents and family on weekends when we go to the beach and to swim, play football and baseball. I always feel the nostalgia when we talk about it.
Any inspirations?
My dad has always been an inspiration to me. He is hardworking, well mannered and led by example. He doesn't smoke nor drink alcohol and always lived life in a simple and peaceful way. My dad has always been there for me in every stage of my life, and he has always supported me in whatever I aimed to achieve. I hope I can be at least, half the man he is.
I am so grateful to have awesome friends and family around me, who continuously inspire me and make life worth living for. I would say that I have friends who are like family and family who are like friends. What I am today is because of such beautiful souls around me, always having my back.
What does photography mean to you?
Through photography, I have discovered another side of me. A side that is passionate about art. A side that is poetic and expressive. I love to tell stories using photographs and express my thoughts and feelings through post processing the image. That is one of the reason why my photos are almost desaturated or black and white. It leaves the viewer to add another intangible layer to the photograph, which is their own imaginative perspective.
Singapore beyond the eyes of a tourist...
It definitely shows my unorthodox nature. I've always loved the anti-hero. When I watch movies, for example, I'm always more interested in the perspective and psychology of antagonistic characters. It is something many people overlook. There is so much more intrigue when you put yourself in the shoes of the bad guy. It is a very interesting perspective. This is somehow translated through my photography as well. The beauty in the imperfections. As much as people think of the city as a utopia, a modern perfect metropolis, there is as much imperfection to it. My agenda has always been to show the world the antagonistic perspective.
There is so much more to Singapore than it meets the eye. it's such an amazing city that has so much going on. As a traveler in Singapore, to really capture the essence of this place, it's best not to spend the whole duration on the tourist attractions. Save a considerable amount of time to visit the neighbourhood heartlands. Trust me, the food tastes so much better, it's also cheaper because it's away from the expensive city and more importantly you can see how Singaporeans live and feel what it is like to live in Singapore. Good or bad that's the beauty of your story.
And what about your love life?
Hahahah! I'm not in a relationship now, definitely single. So I'll just leave nature to take its course on this one. I'm in no hurry to get into a relationship right now.
What is your dream Sheva?
My dream is to become an architect and eventually have my own architectural practice. They say that it's an architect's ego to think that they can single-handedly change the world for the better. Well as for me, I wouldn't say I want to change the world. Inspire would be a better term. Inspire people to take up photography and be passionate about design and architecture. I want to inspire people to go be what they want to be and challenge the norm of you have to. We live in a world where is there is so many ways be successful
Connect with Sheva
Paayasam
Shevashankeran
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| Sheva |
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| A lady having a break and cool drink in the warm humid weather at Tanglin Halt, Singapore |
So, who is Sheva?
My Name is Siva Shankeran but I go by the alias, Sheva. I am 26 years old and I'm born and bred in Singapore.
I'm working towards becoming a chartered architect. I studied landscape architecture in Temasek polytechnic and then moved on to do my degree in architecture at university of Manchester. I take photographs during my spare time as I've always loved the expressive nature of the art.
Childhood days...
I must say that I've been lucky to have a childhood that I've always looked back on during tough times. It's a whole lot of happy memories hanging around and playing football with the kids around the block. In school i was rather reserved in nature but I always knew when to be mischievous. I was just a very energetic and hyper active kid when it comes to sports and games. I would always remember spending time with my parents and family on weekends when we go to the beach and to swim, play football and baseball. I always feel the nostalgia when we talk about it.
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| The silence was poetic... |
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| Postcards from Dakota - an abandoned neighborhood to be demolished soon... |
Any inspirations?
My dad has always been an inspiration to me. He is hardworking, well mannered and led by example. He doesn't smoke nor drink alcohol and always lived life in a simple and peaceful way. My dad has always been there for me in every stage of my life, and he has always supported me in whatever I aimed to achieve. I hope I can be at least, half the man he is.
I am so grateful to have awesome friends and family around me, who continuously inspire me and make life worth living for. I would say that I have friends who are like family and family who are like friends. What I am today is because of such beautiful souls around me, always having my back.
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| A devotee carrying a Kavadi during the Thaipusam foot procession in Singapore |
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| A conversation with a fishmonger in my Neighbourhood market. |
What does photography mean to you?
Through photography, I have discovered another side of me. A side that is passionate about art. A side that is poetic and expressive. I love to tell stories using photographs and express my thoughts and feelings through post processing the image. That is one of the reason why my photos are almost desaturated or black and white. It leaves the viewer to add another intangible layer to the photograph, which is their own imaginative perspective.
Singapore beyond the eyes of a tourist...
It definitely shows my unorthodox nature. I've always loved the anti-hero. When I watch movies, for example, I'm always more interested in the perspective and psychology of antagonistic characters. It is something many people overlook. There is so much more intrigue when you put yourself in the shoes of the bad guy. It is a very interesting perspective. This is somehow translated through my photography as well. The beauty in the imperfections. As much as people think of the city as a utopia, a modern perfect metropolis, there is as much imperfection to it. My agenda has always been to show the world the antagonistic perspective.
 |
| The sound of his music guided me through the narrow maze-like streets of the Albayzín district in Granada, Spain. |
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| The tattooist in Bangkok Thailand attempts to tattoo a Hindu scripture 'Om'. |
There is so much more to Singapore than it meets the eye. it's such an amazing city that has so much going on. As a traveler in Singapore, to really capture the essence of this place, it's best not to spend the whole duration on the tourist attractions. Save a considerable amount of time to visit the neighbourhood heartlands. Trust me, the food tastes so much better, it's also cheaper because it's away from the expensive city and more importantly you can see how Singaporeans live and feel what it is like to live in Singapore. Good or bad that's the beauty of your story.
 |
| A man was having a heated conversation with the shopkeeper : stories from Little India, Singapore |
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| A devotee pulling a 'ratham' |
And what about your love life?
Hahahah! I'm not in a relationship now, definitely single. So I'll just leave nature to take its course on this one. I'm in no hurry to get into a relationship right now.
What is your dream Sheva?
My dream is to become an architect and eventually have my own architectural practice. They say that it's an architect's ego to think that they can single-handedly change the world for the better. Well as for me, I wouldn't say I want to change the world. Inspire would be a better term. Inspire people to take up photography and be passionate about design and architecture. I want to inspire people to go be what they want to be and challenge the norm of you have to. We live in a world where is there is so many ways be successful
Connect with Sheva
Paayasam
Shevashankeran
There is always something special about pictures in B&W
ReplyDeleteLike those ones in the subway.
Its that type of a post which I will like to do someday. Great work Sid.
ReplyDeleteGreat monochrome shoots. Nice to read about Sheva.
ReplyDeleteKeep sharing :)