ISSYSHOOTS | Photographer

I am a photographer who is born Deaf.

I see my deafness as a strength, not a barrier.

My world of silence sharpens my sense of seeing,

and helps me focus while I wait for the moment.

I love capturing the raw emotions

and body language of people.

When I am not on a shoot,

I’m on the streets observing

life through my lens.

Hello, I am Issy!

Exhibitions

2019

Breath of Colours, Singapore

SkyKave, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
Seeing Through Silence - silent talk, Today@Apple, Singapore
Changi Inspires Art Fair, Singapore
Singapore Then & Now, Pan Pacific, Singapore
Vibration is Gold, SkyKave, The Arts House Playden, Singapore
True Colours, Sports Hub Visitor Centre, Singapore

2016

2017

Living with Grace, SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar, Singapore
Unstoppable Riders, uberASSIST, Singapore
People, Places & Pieces, Orchard ION Art Gallery, Singapore

See What I See first solo exhibition, Enabling Village, Singapore
The LASALLE Show 2016 - an annual exhibition by the graduands

2015

As Far As I Can Reach: Works by Students In Diploma, Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Brother Joseph McNally Gallery, Level 1, Singapore
Lost Conversations: Selected Works by Students From Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Brother Joseph McNally Gallery, Level 1, Singapore

2018

2014

Moving Images & Sound (Video), The Substation, Singapore
LASALLE Open House, Project Space, Singapore

Awards

2016

Happy Faces, Singapore Children's Society

2015

Nikon Captures Album of the Month award
Nominee, The 36th International TAKIFUJI Arts Award, Japan

2013

Dare To Dream scholarship at LASALLE College of the Arts

2011

3rd award for The Photography Competition For The Deaf
Consolation prize for the National Day organized by ITE College East

2010

Outstanding Deaf Student Award (Secondary Education) by Singapore Association for the Deaf

Volunteering

2019

LifeFest, Singapore
Seeing and Feeling Sound with Ferry, Today@Apple

2018

Yin May “Love is not Rare” Behind the Scenes
True Colours Concert, Stadium, Singapore
Very Special Arts Booth, Sports Hub, Singapore
No Strings Attached (True Colours Conference), Enabling Village, Singapore
Kingdom Invasion 2018, Expo Hall 7, Singapore

2017

Aphre x C.Jam, Toys Museum, Singapore
True Colours Anniversary, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore

2016

Fall in Hush, Epiphyte cafe, Singapore
Shiseido CSR Activity, DaySpring New Life Centre, Singapore
8th WFD RSA Youth Camp, NACLI, Singapore
2nd National Deaf Games 2016, Singapore
May Day with Migrant Workers, Sentosa, Singapore
Gas and Dust: The Manufactured Space exhibition, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore

2015

WoW! Camp, Singapore Association for the Deaf (including video recording)
Vivian’s 21st birthday party, Singapore
Dave Chua’s 21st birthday party, Singapore

2013

Deafinitely Amazing, The Substation, Singapore

2012

Singapore World Water Day, Singapore

Published: 9 Nov 2017

(click to read the article)

The collection is inspired by her resilient grandmother, who has lived a fulfilling life well into her silver years, and was a collaboration between Isabelle and her cousin, Tham Yin May. Isabelle is also a beneficiary of the TODAY Enable Fund.

Published: 7 Nov 2017

(click to read the article)

Living with grace through the lens of photographer born with disability

Published: 18 Nov 2017

(click to read the TODAY online article)

Another noteworthy Instagrammer who had three photographs exhibited is 23-year-old freelance photographer Isabelle Lim, who is deaf and has a rare genetic disorder called Nager syndrome.

"For me, photography is a way to save memories and communicate with my viewers," she said through sign language.