Hi, I am Boon.
Originally from Malaysia, I moved to Calgary in 2008. Born and raised from a conservative asian family, a huge part of my life was living within constraints, secrecy, discrimination and frustration. When I was young, I always have a dream to go somewhere for new life experience. Lucky me, my engineering job has made me a frequent traveller, constantly living out of my luggages in different countries for work. Until I came to Canada, the freedom, diversity and acceptance made me feel like I belong here. I have since made this place my new home.
I never thought I would like photography.
Being semi-active in stage performances and exposure to theater production in my early life, I always pay a lot of attention to elements that produce captivating story, such as environment, light, color, intricate body language, and emotions.
At the time, I never have interest in photography.
It was after I moved to Canada, I picked up a new DSLR camera in the hope to find a new hobby to fill my mundane working life, photography has then become a new tool for me to tell story. Never have I thought my knowledge in theater life has influenced me so much the way I create now.
Photographing nude art was a big accident. I have somehow relate nudity to my own personal coming out story. But as I work with more people, it has transformed into an outlet for me to connect with others in their vulnerability, self love and their own version of coming out as well.
Nudity is not sexual in this context, but a vehicle for expression of freedom.
I want to use my art to advocate for new freedom, break down barriers and taboos, and create a safe space for people to find confidence in their own body and sexuality.
Artist Talk
Our Closets is Boon's first photography exhibition, as part of the 2020 Exposure Photo Festival. Exhibition was held from Jan 31 - April 26, 2020 at Contemporary Calgary. In this Artist Talk, Boon shared about his photographic experience and how he brought together this collection, along with many emotional stories of the humans he encountered.
Podcast
Resume
Exhibition
Mar 2024 "A Hot Minute", Christine Klassen Gallery, Calgary
Mar 2024 "A Hot Minute", Ashdale Gallery, North Vancouver
Feb 2024 "A Hot Minute", Gallery Merrick, Victoria
Sep 2023 "Elizabeth", In The Eaves, nvrlnd x East Side Studio Crawl, Calgary
May 2023 "Identity", Pride In Art, The Bow Sky Garden, Calgary
Feb 2023 "Knot. Live", Dirty Laundry - The Second Load, Calgary
Jun 2022 "Our Closets", Pride In Art, Art Commons, Calgary
Mar 2021 "Captivity", SNAP Gala, Toronto
Jan-Mar 2020 "Our Closets", Contemporary Calgary
Feb 2020 "Dirty Laundry", Lux Laundromat, Calgary
Feb 2019 "Human", The Pioneer Building, Calgary
Oct 2018 "Delicate Hands", Castle House, Calgary
Feb-Mar 2016 "Disclosure", Feather Gallery, Calgary
Speaking & Education
April 2024 Educator, The Ivy Manor Retreat, Temecula, California
Jan 2024 Interview Guest, “06.64 - Getting my Shibair on with Boon”, The Gay Agenda YYC Procast, Calgary
Sep 2023 "Shibari & Kink", SEXPO, Mount Royal University, Calgary
Feb 2021 Speaker, Conference + Chill, Canada
Feb 2020 Educator, Do More Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Feb 2020 Artist Talk, Exposure Photo Festival, Calgary
Jun 2019 Educator, Camp Do More, Ontario
Jun 2019 Interview Guest, Intellectual Erection Podcast, Toronto
Jun 2018 Educator, Camp Do More, Ontario
Apr 2018 Educator, The Calm & The Chaos Workshop, Calgary
2017 Work being used as education reference material by Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Vancouver
Awards
2021 SNAP Photo Competition - Winner
2019 Exposure Photo Festival - Emerging Photographer of The Year
2015-2016 Do More Award - Winner
2014 International Photography Awards (IPA) - Honourable Mention
2013 International Photography Awards (IPA) - Second Place Winner
Published
Jun 2017 Rangefinder Magazine June 2017 Issue
2020-2016 Do More Photographers Blog
Mar 2016 Dark Beauty Magazine
May 2016 YYC Artists Blog
