Pixman on a ‘spiritual’ mission
Brandon aims to capture energy and vibrancy of Thaipusam
GEORGE TOWN: Fascinated by the vibrancy of Thaipusam and the energy of devotees, American photographer Matt Brandon is on a mission to take portraits of individuals at the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple here.
However, instead of photographing Hindus amid the hustle and bustle of the festival, he invites them to a studio set up in the temple to have their photos taken.
“I will be looking out for visually arresting devotees, such as those with elaborate kavadis, bearing pots of milk, carrying babies in hammocks on sugar cane tied together, or those with hooks and piercings.
“We will hand out coupons to those we find interesting and ask them whether they want to be featured.
“We are hoping to get over 200 shots of different people,” the 59-year-old said.
A copy of the photograph would be given to the subjects as a token of appreciation.
The photographs would then be compiled into a pictorial book tentatively titled Portraits of Thaipusam, which he hopes would be published this year, Brandon added.
Of his intention to have the photoshoot in a studio, Brandon said he did not want the background to distract viewers from the subject.
The devotees should stand out against a black backdrop, he said.
Brandon is a prolific travel and assignment photographer who has worked with publications such as National Geographic and Asian Geographic and other companies.
Likening Thaipusam to the “Mount Everest of festivals”, Brandon has been photographing the festival for a decade since calling Penang home in 2007.
For his Thaipusam project this year, he will be stationed at the temple at Jalan Kebun Bunga from 6am until it closes at 6.30pm due to the total lunar eclipse tomorrow.
The project is a collaboration with Fuji Film Malaysia and lighting equipment distributor Onsmo Lighting Malaysia.
Brandon will be using a Fujifilm GFX 50S, a medium format mirrorless camera.
He added that proceeds from the book would be given to a charitable organisation, preferably one that works with women or children.
“We might consider making a calendar as well,” he said, adding that he will be assisted by a team of 10 volunteers.