PETALING JAYA, June 29 — In Malaysia, photography tends to be focused more on the commercial rather than artistic side. “It’s a difficult art to make money from,” admits George Wong, founder of The Centre for Asian Photographers in Jaya One.
What is more, consumers are leaning more towards taking photos on their phones to upload on Instagram rather than investing in a proper camera. Wong decided to set up the centre to promote photography and provide an avenue for enthusiasts to gather, learn, take photos, sell their art and tap on the resources that are available there.
Less than a year old — the centre opened last December — it has become popular among students and retirees including the curious passer-by. The Centre for Asian Photographers is a gallery, library, studio, cafe, learning space as well as hang-out area for professionals and hobbyists alike.
You do not need to be good in photography to enjoy the facilities there. The centre also provides classes and workshops and is also a space for photography organisations to have their events there.
Wong was not professionally trained in photography but he has worked in industries that are related to photography for 10 years. He was an editor for CHIP Photo Video Digital magazine and because he had to review, research and play with cameras he became quite the expert.
“After that, I worked in Sony as a brand manager before opening my own studio. The Centre of Asian Photographers is linked to my studio which is more focused on commercial photography,” says Wong. Two years later, he was re-hired by Sony again where he was department head for nine months. Wong was in charge of setting up the Sony Alpha brand which is the photography division.
“I also worked in Leica for one and a half years,” says Wong. He wanted to explore the artistic side of photography which is something Leica is famous for. However, he decided to open the centre when he realised that in Asia, Leica was more of a sales-driven company.
“It wasn’t what I was looking for. Leica and other big brands are more interested in commercial photography while I want to give exposure to artistic photography,” he says.
He got an investor to invest in the concept. One of the reasons why Wong opened the place was because he realised that the camera
business was in a decline because of mobile phones. Also, he wanted camera dealers to diversify. The market is so competitive and the profit margin is very low so he wanted to help them.
“Previously, the concept of the centre was unacceptable but I managed to get Leica to experiment with it for awhile. It had a coffee bar, which is a way to get people to relax. We found out that it does work because in Malaysia, people like to build rapport,” says Wong.
He travelled around to do research and he discovered that a lot of places have a community space. It’s also a place to relax, functions as an activity space and also a place to showcase photography. The Centre for Asian Photographers is a space where people can learn.
The Photobook Club is very active there and they have their meetings at least once a month with about 30 to 40 people attending.
“People do a lot of commercial photography and there is no emphasis on art. This initiative will help to change that. The concept has worked in developed countries. One of the things I notice is that the dominant element is the cafe,” says Wong.
The cafe at The Centre for Asian Photographers belongs to The Cat in the Box, who is renting the place. To generate income for the place, the centre also sells merchandise as well as art and the output of photography. Workshops and galleries also contribute to the running of the centre.
“From July onwards, the gallery will be converted into a studio for rent and use. We will then focus on pop-up galleries. I want to go to where the audience are. We hope to make money from the pop-up galleries by selling the artwork,” says Wong.
The Centre for Asian Photographers is a place for photographers to hang out and edit their photos without the noise of a usual cafe.
The library at the centre was very lucky to receive 700 books of art and photography from Balai Seni Lukis Negara. The best thing about the books is that they are Asian focused.
At the end of October, the centre will be organising a convention to promote art photography. Besides reaching out to photographers, the centre is also targeting new parents who want to remember the growing-up days of their children. The location is strategic because it is at The School in Jaya One.
The Centre for Asian Photographers
100-L1.019 The School, Jaya One
No. 72A, Jalan Universiti
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +603-7495 5963
Gallery
Monday–Sunday; 12pm–8pm
Admission
Admission to the Gallery is FREE but donations are welcomed to sustain the gallery
