Aging Singapore – Photography Exhibition

About This Photography Exhibition:

In his previous exhibitions Longevity Okinawa and Haenyeo, José Jeuland chose to photograph the long-lived elderly of Okinawa and Jeju as he has always been amazed by people who have been able to live long, productive and healthy lives well into their twilight years.

This year, Jose is holding an exhibition with COCO Creative Studio entitled Aging Singapore.

Aging Singapore will be held from 14 November to 19 December 2022, featuring portraits of Singaporean seniors. Through this exhibition, we hope to share the stories and memories of Singapore’s elderly through their photographs. By conveying the message that Singapore’s aging population consists of multi-faceted, eccentric, and vastly different individuals, we aim to defy the stigma surrounding elderly folk and the aging population.

The exhibition will also feature scents and sounds with each portrait to allow the viewer to enjoy a fully immersive experience that engages multiple senses.

Aging Singapore is organised by COCO Creative Studio and COCO PR & Communications Agency Singapore.

Aging Singapore Pictures

Mirror Mirror on the Wall…

Though she never went to school, 82-year old Lim Kim Hoon learned to style her hair by reading the newspaper. Now, she enjoys styling her hair for special occasions like weddings and family dinners. Young at heart, her radiance and positivity keep her happy in life.

Fragrance: Ghim Moh Diva by Oh Hee Soon
A fresh burst of citrus, followed by classic white florals reminiscent of beauty products from the old days.

Top: Bergamot, Lemon, Galbanum, Cassis, Peach
Heart: Carnation, Tuberose, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Orris, Ylang-Ylang
Base: Musk, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Oakmoss

Immerse yourself in the sounds of her world here.

The Early Bird Gets Their Photo Taken

Even at 74 years of age, Dunford Vernon Alexander has a burning passion for bird photography and nature preservation in Singapore. He aims to snap pictures of all bird species residing in and migrating through Singapore.

Fragrance: Merlion Forest by Png Wei Ling
The complex green facets and spicy nuances in this fragrance are reminiscent of the calm and purity that a deep breath of fresh air in the forest can bring.

Top: Green Leaves, Bergamot, Lemon
Heart: Olibanum, Nutmeg, Jasmine
Base: Cedarwood Oil, Vetiver Oil, Sandalwood

Immerse yourself in the sounds of his world here.

Piece of Cake, Cup of Tea

83-year old Rajalectiumee takes great pride in making sure her guests are comfortable and well-fed whenever they visit her home. Her signature chai tea is brewed to boast an authentic taste and aroma, and has been praised by many of her visitors.

Fragrance: Chai Tea by Subramanian M
This fragrance opens warmly with woody spices in Indian culture, elevated by a hint of floral notes that bring about the familiarity of home.

Top: Cardamon, Ginger, Anise, Neroli, Bergamot, Lemon
Heart: Peach, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Cedarwood, Orris, Cumin, Clove, Patchouli
Base: Musk, Amber, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Sandalwood

Immerse yourself in the sounds of her world here.

Birds of a Feather

Robin Chua, 77, is one of two co-founders of the Kebun Bahru Birdsinging Club. He is an active member of his community, and his leadership brings many like-minded people together to enjoy birdsinging.

Fragrance: Robin’s Nest by Png Wei Ling & Alexandra Carlin
A tender and comforting scent with an unexpected twist: pandan notes that connect the fragrance with its Singaporean roots.

Top: Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Cardamom
Heart: Cinnamon Bark Oil, Pandan, Jasmine
Base: Vanilla, White Musk, Cedarwood

Immerse yourself in the sounds of his world here.

All Part of Life’s Rich Tapestry

A survivor of the Japanese Occupation, 88-year old Kamsiah bte Ibrahim now passes her time sewing—a skill that she picked up in her youth. With agile hands, she constantly sews clothing and gifts for her family.

Fragrance: My Happy Place by Png Wei Ling & Philippe Paparella
A fragrance encompassing the cosyness of home and the woody signature from classic furniture pieces.

Top: Davana, Bergamot Oil, Clove
Heart: Balsam, Labdanum, White Jasmine
Base: Cedarwood Oil, Sandalwood, Amber

Immerse yourself in the sounds of her world here.

The Best Seat in the House

At the ripe age of 95, Teo Guak Wah is still exercising twice a week. Chair Zumba—a recurring event organised at her void deck by Lions Befrienders—keeps her active and healthy. Compared to the difficult times in her youth, she finds life in Singapore much more enjoyable and relaxing now.

Fragrance: Dance with Me by Png Wei Ling & Aliénor Massenet
The fragrance embodies a youthful, zesty spirit in its fruity notes, and evolves into something more woody and centered.

Top: Coffee, Red Fruits, Cinnamon Bark Oil
Heart: Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Caramel
Base: Vanilla, Moss, Cedarwood

Immerse yourself in the sounds of her world here.

A Leap of Faith

After working in the shipping line for 35 years and teaching in a kindergarten for 12 years, Rajoo Ann is now 70 years old and a devout follower of Hindu Lord Shiva. With a beacon of guidance in her life, Ann is living out her golden years with a sense of fulfilment.

Fragrance: Vibrant Prayer by Png Wei Ling & Pierre Gueros
This fragrance pays tribute to the vibrant scents in Hindu culture, a central white floral bouquet at the heart of it all.

Top: Mandarin Oil, Peach, Apple
Heart: Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang Oil, Tuberose
Base: Vanilla, Amber, Salicylate

Immerse yourself in the sounds of her world here.

Freewheeling

72-year old Shawn Davidson cycles regularly on his well-loved bicycle, attracting the attention of curious onlookers as he whizzes by. As a retired engineer at Singapore Airlines, he has put his skills to good use and heavily modifies his bicycle to suit his needs. A carefree spirit, he believes that simplifying life is the key to happiness.

Fragrance: Route Singapore by Png Wei Ling & Leslie Gauthier
Fresh, intense, and impactful, this fragrance is inspired by black leather, rippling winds, and the freedom of gliding through a city.

Top: Clove Oil, Bergamot, Lemon Oil
Heart: Jasmine, Rose, Black Labdanum
Base: Cedarwood Oil, Black Leather, Sandalwood

Immerse yourself in the sounds of his world here.

A Mile A Day…

Despite her ripe age of 71 years, Tong Guat Hong Ivy spends the bulk of her time hiking and walking up to 100,000 steps a day. She finds healthy living convenient and accessible in Singapore, where park connectors and hawker centres are available everywhere.

Fragrance: Dawn Hiker by Oh Hee Soon
This fragrance carries the scent of fresh, humid woods through notes of tang and spice, and rounds off with a medley of spicy florals.

Top: Violet, Lemon, Bergamot, Lavender
Heart: Spice Complex, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley
Base: Tonka, Musk, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Amber, Sandalwood

Immerse yourself in the sounds of her world here.

… Keeps the Doctor Away

Tan Guan Keng learned about the wonders of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) early on in his youth. As a performer, he was frequently injured and required chinese massages to help with his recuperation. Now, at 76 years old, he volunteers to help other elderly people through TCM, even while working a day job.

Fragrance: Fine Wisdom by Png Wei Ling & Philippe Paparella
Inspired by key herbal ingredients in traditional chinese medicine, this fragrance is a blend of warm, ambery spices.

Top: Clove Bud Oil, Ginger Oil, Cinnamon Bark Oil
Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Anise
Base: Vanilla, Tobacco, Musk

Immerse yourself in the sounds of his world here.

All the World’s a Stage

Sisters Chee Siew Fun (left) and Chee Kin Foon (right) have been practising Chinese Opera since they were 12 and 7 years old respectively. After decades of performing, they are still going strong and regularly do shows at 74 and 76 years of age. Performing opera is a good way to preserve their culture and keep fit at the same time.

Fragrance: Peony Chorus by Png Wei Ling, Aliénor Massenet & Philippe Paparella
The heart of this fragrance is peony, a complex flower with many petals and facets, as beautiful and mesmerising as the performers themselves.

Top: Pepper, Mandarin, Red Fruits
Heart: Cumin, Peony, Jasmine
Base: Benzoin, Incense, Vetiver

Immerse yourself in the sounds of their world here.

A Picture of Health

The co-founders of Team Strong Silvers, (from left to right) Victor Chan, Ng Bee Kia, and Ngai Hin Kwok are more active than ever, exercising daily even in their 70s. Through their volunteer efforts, they hope to encourage Singaporeans of all ages to exercise regularly and mind their health.

Fragrance: Silver Club by Png Wei Ling & Laure Breysse
Inspired by their sweat and determination, this fragrance is a play on classic Fougere composition—masculine with a hint of natural, fresh, and nautical notes.

Top: Lemon Oil, Elemi, Marine
Heart: Geranium Oil, Rosemary, Lavender
Base: Cypress Oil, Moss, Patchouli

Immerse yourself in the sounds of their world here.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

How to Get There

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Exhibition Sponsors & Support

Sponsorship

Products For Sale

Check out our posters, fine art prints, and postcard sets available for purchase here.

Contact Information

To contact Jose regarding his photography projects, commissioning new photography projects, contributions to editorials or other matters, you may reach him through his contact page or through his Creative Studio arm at studio@cococreativestudio.com.