Cover Photographer Kenny Loh
Photographer Kenny Loh
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We speak to photographer Kenny Loh whose work delves deep into our country’s rich and diverse culture to understand what drives and inspires his work
A name synonymous with evocative photography and storytelling, Kenny Loh’s journey into the realm of photography is as compelling as the images he captures. His passion for this medium can be traced back to his childhood, as he fondly recalls the road trips his father took them on across Malaysia. “He was a government servant, and we were staying in Ipoh,” he says. “He’d drive us to KL, Penang, Singapore, everywhere.”
These trips were sensory explorations, filled with unique sounds and sights of the small towns they passed through. “Every town along the way, like Tapah, Bidor, the sounds you hear are different. For example, you pass by a shop and you’d hear the tukang besi making metal containers, or the sound of a coconut being grated. You hear people doing stuff in those small towns. Nowadays it’s different, but those are the sounds that I used to hear,” he recalls wistfully.
Above Cheng Mu Ming and his brother Cheng Toh Ni (right) are the oldest barbers in Kampung Valdor, Penang’s largest Chinese New Village
Cheng Mu Ming and his brother Cheng Toh Ni (right) are the oldest barbers in Kampung Valdor, Penang’s largest Chinese New Village
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The recent death of his father gave Loh a poignant realisation. “The day after my father passed away, I did a eulogy for him on Facebook. When I saw what I had written, I realised that he lives on through my work,” he shares.
He’s referring to his Born in Malaysia series, which began almost by accident. Upon returning to Malaysia in 2009 after 18 years working abroad in Taipei and China, Loh decided to travel around, drawing on his childhood memories of road trips with his father to see if the things he’d experienced before still existed. Armed with a camera, he travelled through Melaka, Ipoh, Penang and Kedah over the span of three years, capturing images along the way. His first book, Born in Malaysia: A Photographer’s Story, was released in 2013. “My friends saw my photos and said they weren’t horrible,” he laughs. “They suggested, why don’t I compile them into a book? I had never done a book in my entire life! But I just did it, and that’s the Photographer’s Story.”
Above Second-generation watch and clock repairer Chan Kin Wah, in Jonker Street, Malacca
Second-generation watch and clock repairer Chan Kin Wah, in Jonker Street, Malacca
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Initially, the series focused on individuals literally born in Malaysia, but it evolved to include anyone who calls Malaysia home. With input from the editor of his last book, Jahabar Sadiq, Loh expanded his scope to include migrants and refugees, reflecting the diverse tapestry of Malaysia through simple yet evocative portraits.
His second book, Anak Malaysia, released in 2016, was a translated version of his earlier one. This was followed by Born in Malaysia: A Story of Kuala Lumpur, in 2018. At the end of this year, he is set to release Born in Merdeka, which delves into the lives and struggles of the Orang Asli. Titled to reflect their paradoxical exisence of being “born into freedom but don’t have freedom,” the book offers an in-depth look at the 19 diverse tribes living in Peninsular Malaysia. Through his lens, Loh captures the harsh realities faced by the Orang Asli, including environmental destruction and cultural erosion—like rivers being damned and ancient cemeteries being destroyed in the name of progress. Loh is working with anthropologists on this project, who, like him, are fighting to raise awareness about the plight of the Orang Asli and are willing to contribute their time and resources.
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Above The Loh siblings and his father Loh Charn Hoong (purple shirt)
The Loh siblings and his father Loh Charn Hoong (purple shirt)
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Loh’s love for portraiture is evident in his approach to photography. “I genuinely love to hear the stories. I think that’s what makes me successful in what I do. When I work with people, especially for my books, I’m so excited. They’re like, ‘Oh, this guy loves my story so I might as well tell him,’ so we get a very good rapport,” he shares. This rapport allows him to capture genuine and intimate portraits, often taken after extensive conversations.
“The warung is the best place to meet people, because everyone is relaxed and sitting there. So when you go in as a stranger, they will talk to you. They will even introduce me to potential subjects,” he adds. “So whenever I go to any location, I would interview someone, take notes, and when I shoot the portrait, it is very quick because by then I know that person better already, and when I ask them to pose for me, they’re okay.” Loh has become known for his engaging shooting style that he often gets a lot of commissions for portraits from individuals and corporations.
Dancer Sheela Raghavan
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From his early days of taking photos with a Kodak camera for his school magazine, Loh has found that his work as a photographer resonates with all levels of society. He says, “I get a bit annoyed that we are always trying to set the races apart, but actually, we are more alike than we are different. That’s why I say photography is my own small contribution.” He recalls showing a Malay man in Kelantan a picture of a Chinese man in Penang. When the man asked about the story behind the picture, Loh explained, “His story is not so different from you and me.” The man’s response was, “Yeah, we all are just looking for a better future for our family.”
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Above A shot of some Orang Asli villagers from Loh’s upcoming book
A shot of some Orang Asli villagers from Loh’s upcoming book
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Loh believes that such responses validate his work and motivate him to continue. “Also, it’s a good excuse for me to travel!” he laughs before noting, “As a photographer, I’m in a position to share my pictures and show our commonalities. You know, the funny thing is, over here, we identify ourselves as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, lain-lain. But we proudly call ourselves Malaysians when abroad. Funny that it is foreigners who come here and appreciate that.”
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Credits
Photography: Kenny Loh
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Elizabeth Soong is the managing editor of Malaysia Tatler. She loves a good laugh, but is serious when it comes to work, and gets a high from dancing, cats purring, plus enjoys musicals or binge-watching a good TV series. Continually inspired by the people she meets, edits and writes about, you're welcome to see what she's up to on her Instagram @lizsoong.
