During a recent interview, Singaporean photographer AikBeng Chia shared insights about his creative journey that led to a unique collaboration with the art and design collective Phunk. “Phunk has always dreamed of being photographed in the style of the legendary rock band Kiss,” Chia explained. The opportunity arose when he approached them for his photography series, Art ‘R’ Us, sparking the idea for this electrifying shoot.
Chia elaborated on the concept, stating, “Art ‘R’ Us shines a light on artists who have significantly influenced Singapore’s creative landscape.” Phunk was eager to participate, even suggesting a local kopitiam as the shoot location. “Kopitiams are similar to coffee shops, but they typically feature a drink stall and independent vendors serving popular Singaporean dishes,” he noted. Chia added, “The atmosphere was lively, with other customers curious and amused by the shoot.”
The photo session featured Phunk members William Chan, Alvin Tan, and Jackson Tan, though their fourth member, Melvin Chee, was unable to join. Chia captured the moment using an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and noted that the makeup application took significantly longer than the actual shoot. Post-production involved adjustments in Adobe Lightroom to enhance contrast, shadows, and highlights, and he also utilized the VSCO app for color grading.
Reflecting on Phunk’s history, which dates back to 1994, Chia remarked, “This photograph beautifully captures the enduring bond they have shared since day one.”
