Collection: Uncles & Aunties

In Singapore, and many Asian cultures, it is customary to address men of an older generation as ‘Uncle,’ and women as ‘Auntie.’ This warm expression conveys a sentiment of trust and respect. If one is actually related to the individual, the term ‘uncle’ or ‘auntie’ can be followed by their name, though these practices differ between families. This photo series captures what I think of as the typical Singaporean ‘uncle’ that can be spotted relaxing around the Hawker Centers, and HDB public spaces, often wearing a sleeveless under-shirt which in French is called a ‘Marcel’. I find a certain elegance in the unconventional poses they may choose to lounge in, particularly in the heat of the afternoon. These images, to me, are typical of everyday life in Singapore.