Peranakan Fascination

VALLEY ARORA MOVED from New Delhi to Singapore in 2008, when her husband was posted here for a job. "It took me just seven days to fall in love with this Lion City," she says.

In fact, she loves Singapore so much, she goes around photographing the city. Some of her favourite subjects are shophouses and Peranakan tiles, which she photographs in areas such as Joo Chiat, Emerald Hill and Blair Road.

"I always incorporate the traditional shophouses and Peranakan colour palette into my designs," says Ms Arora. "While exploring Singapore on foot, I was inspired by how you can go from vibrant civic district to beautifully preserved cultural enclaves and iconic landmarks."

She adds that the shophouses stood out for her when she arrived in Singapore. "They are delightful, historical and full of old world charm," she says. As for Peranakan tiles, she says, "the colours and patterns speak of the Peranakans' love for beauty and grandeur. I feel in modern day Singapore, this vanishing culture brings so much colour, vibrance and beauty".

She started printing her images on canvas for sale through her company Photo Phactory. Each unique piece of wall art is made from a collection of photos or a single picture. "Clients found it very innovative and having images of Singapore on canvas a unique way to preserve Singapore's rich heritage and history," she says.

Her photos can now be found on other items such as coasters, serving trays, scarves, cushion covers and travel pouches.

Photo Phactory by Valley Arora is at photophactorysg.com.