Flora Studies Malaysia
According to a 2018 article in Culture Trip, Malaysia is among the most biodiverse countries, home to over 15,000 species of flowers, plants and trees. Living in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, I feel as though I’ve hit the jackpot. There’s an abundance of flora and fauna to explore and photograph. Flora Studies Malaysia features black-and-white images of ‘found’ flowers, capturing their delicate beauty.
Flower Photography
The flower specimens I photograph are tiny, and only through the use of a macro lens am I able to focus on their intricate details. These flowers are ‘found’ in nature and are often in the early stages of decomposition. For example, in the first image, the edges of the flower are starting to curl. I also experimented with composition, creating flower diptychs to present a more dynamic view of these natural wonders.
Malaysia’s National Flower
I recently learned that the Hibiscus. Interestingly is Malaysia’s national flower. The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is also called the “celebratory flower” in Malay. The red petals represent courage, life, and the rapid growth of the Malaysian people, while the five petals signify the five Rukun Negara, or principles of the country.
During my walks around the neighbourhood, I often come across vibrant red Hibiscus flowers. Yet, because they bloom for just one day, capturing them in the studio has always been a challenge.
To see more of my botanical works, visit the Nature gallery.
