another

ah kiat, 28, ex-triad member. tattoos were made in secondary school days. back then, teenage days were mostly about group identity, adrenaline rush, and days spent hanging around void decks. why tattoo? unlike ryan, when he did it many years ago, it used to be painful; it's like a trial, going through the pain. adolescence was about pride, and a yearning for some status and collective identity; triad activities would provide these. these are manifested in his tattoos on his bodies, which are remnants of his past history.

he said back then tattoos were protective talismans, and many would do it to look fiercer, so that they may have an edge over their rivals. back then they were symbols of masculinity. a significant part of his youth was spent hanging out with friends in tattoo parlours. it was the "in" thing amongst his group; often he has no money to make and had to watch his friends in envy. he started off with small tattoo, when he accumulates enough money from various activities and holiday jobs he would expand his tattoos. it was his hobby. his tattoos mainly consist of demons, white tigers and dragons, which were popular back then. he also tattooed on his fingers, ankle and forehead, of which has been "scraped out".

the background was the void deck; a place where they used to "loiter". they would sit down and bring out their pens and textbooks, which are actually sandwiched with marijuana, of which they would consume with cigarettes. areas such as these were their territory, hanging out in large groups in such places evoke a sense of comfort and belonging.

ah kiat no longer is involved in these type of activities and is now married with one child, and currently works as a renovator.

i wanted to take a picture of him carrying his baby to show the softness and contrast between something fierce and innocent, and to reveal another side of him. that would be much better right!!! however he declined as his child's age was too young and said it was inconvenient. it was really a pity man... but that's really out of my control and we have to respect his decision of course.