A dialogue with artist and fashion photographer Felly Loi on the ephemerality of the human condition

Felly Loi is a cornerstone of the Couture Troopers collective, yet her contributions extend far beyond the traditional fashion week circuit. With a background spanning fine arts and fashion design, holding credentials from both LASALLE College of the Arts and Temasek Polytechnic, Loi (b. 1992) occupies a unique space in the creative landscape. She describes her methodology as organic and process-based, leveraging her diversified education to execute complex, collaborative works.

This rigorous approach earned her a Honourable Mention at the Harper’s Bazaar Singapore Photography Awards 2014. Her winning entry, a high-energy series shot in Bangkok, underscored her willingness to take aesthetic risks. Beyond the lens, her recent sculptural work in resin and concrete explores the transcendence of the human condition, questioning the boundaries between the manufactured and the organic. We spoke with Loi ahead of her exhibition at The LASALLE Show 2015 to discuss the synergy between her various artistic disciplines.

JY: Your submission for the Harper’s Bazaar Photography Awards adopted a very specific narrative. What informed your approach to the ‘Art and Fashion’ theme?

FL: I view the contemporary woman as an independent warrior navigating her own battles. I sought to translate this strength through specific styling and choreography. The concept crystallised after I discovered Kanapot Aunsorn’s collection, which drew from the film A League of Their Own. It depicted women entering the baseball arena during World War II, a time when traditional gender roles were being shifted by necessity.

JY: You also mentioned a musical influence for this series. How did that manifest visually?What were some of the difficulties faced when executing this shoot?

FL: I was deeply inspired by the ‘Chandelier’ music video by Sia. The specific colour treatment and the sharp, kinetic movements of the choreography intrigued me. I wanted to intertwine these elements of contemporary dance with fashion to create a series that felt spontaneous yet meticulously directed.

JY: What were the primary challenges you faced during the execution of this shoot?

FL: Directing choreography while models are wearing garments of varying materials is inherently difficult. Understanding how different textiles flow and react to movement is essential. I also encountered a significant hurdle when my initial model withdrew the night before the shoot. It was a stressful experience that taught me the importance of refined communication and the necessity of detailed moodboards to ensure all collaborators are aligned with the vision.

JY: Having spent time in Bangkok, how would you compare the Thai fashion landscape to that of Singapore?What were some of the difficulties faced when executing this shoot?

FL: In my experience, Thai designers often lean toward the edgy and flamboyant. Their work is frequently conceptual and glamorous. Conversely, many in Singapore tend to stay within a safer, more commercial spectrum. I believe the local design institutions here have the capacity to push students toward more elaborate and conceptual territories.

JY: With academic backgrounds in both fashion design and fine arts, what made you want to venture into fashion photography?

FL: I have been exploring the link between the two genres, searching for a direction to answer my voice. I know that I wanted to work within these two genres but I couldn’t find the right approach and concept that I want to talk about. I think having photographer and stylist friends while i was studying helped to inspire and motivate me to take the leap of faith, to try and see if fashion photography works for me. And once I’ve tried it, I fell in love with it.

 Above (left-to-right): S/S 16 Soft Pop (2015) and Nature Specimen Studies (2015) – silicon and resin fine art pieces by Felly Loi

JY: What defines a photograph that truly stands out in today’s saturated market?

FL: It is entirely about the clarity of the message. The work does not end once the image is produced; its true purpose is revealed in how society receives and reflects upon the message being conveyed.

JY: How would you describe your personal visual identity?

FL: I am currently in a state of reflection regarding my definition as a creative individual. I consider myself a chameleon, adapting my style to fit the specific concept at hand. While a distinctive brand is useful, I find that it can be restrictive. I prefer to keep my visuals fresh and experimental.

 

 

JY: Who do you consider to be your primary influences?

FL: My influences are quite broad, including Annie Leibovitz, Nick Knight, Bart Hess, and FKA Twigs. If I could choose any subject in the world to capture, it would undoubtedly be Iris Apfel.

Felly Loi’s S/S 16 SOFT POP at The LASALLE Show 2015 (under the BA (Hons) Fine Arts segment) would be opening on 21 May 2015, 6.30pm. Exhibition would run till  3 June 2015, 11am to 8pm daily.

 

About the LASALLE Show 2015

THE LASALLE SHOW 2015 is an annual graduation showcase of contemporary art and design, and a venue for visitors to discover the exceptional talents who are poised to command centre stage in the creative world. Over 800 works will be unveiled, showcasing the best and brightest in contemporary works from Design, Fine Arts, Film, Media Arts, Fashion, Dance, Music, Theatre, Asian Art Histories, Art Therapy, Artist Educator and Arts Management, THE LASALLE SHOW 2015 marks the grand finale of an artistic education in creativity and imagination which transforms these young talents to professional artists in the dynamic creative industries.

 

THE LASALLE SHOW 2015 is held at LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940(view google map)

To view Felly Loi’s creative works and photos for Couture Troopers, visit www.fellyloi.foliodrop.com and https://instagram.com/explore/tags/fellyloixct/ respectively.