Living Traditions

• Prize
  Gold in Portfolio/Other, 1st Place winner in Portfolio
• Photographer
  Roger Chen
• Technical Info
  Leica Q2
• Photo Date
  2017-2024

In cultures where traditions and religion permeate life, and ceremonies, rituals and traditional art forms connect people with the gods, ancestors, family and community, knowledge of and appreciation for customs and traditions, classical arts and religious rituals risk dwindling over time in this digital age when younger generations enthralled by technology, social media and instant sensory gratification lose touch with their roots and have little connection with their heritage. However, there is hope that through oral history, practice and training, these traditions will indeed endure.

I'm a cultural and documentary photographer and aspiring visual storyteller, currently based in Manila, Philippines. Having led a nomadic lifestyle all my adult life because of my career in the diplomatic service, I have been intrigued by the cultures, traditions and artistic heritage of the numerous countries I have visited or resided in.