Routine as Repertoire
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Through the sharing of routines, perhaps experiences such as illnesses, disabilities, aging, motherhood, and gender transitioning can be viewed beyond the tragic or heroic polarities, and the experiences may exist and be represented in all their complexities. Over 25 women and non-binary people in Singapore and the United States have shared their experiences and routines through photography, video
Post 2 of 2: Walking is one of the new routines that incorporated in her life after her diagnosis with uterine leiomyosarcoma.
“I make friends with my tumor and I do talk to them and say that for me to survive and for you to survive, you should not grow bigger, so that we can actually accommodate each other.”
Wendy Tan-Kuah Wendy Kuah , a mother, wife and retired businesswoman was diagnosed in December 2014 with uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the smooth muscle tissues. She underwent a full hysterectomy as well as a 5.5 cm tumour. In 2015, the PET scan reviewed that cancer had spread to other parts of her body so she has been living with a stage 4 diagnosis. She decided to retire from her education consultancy business to focus on her health. Apart from having medical treatments, she began walking as a way to take care of her body and leads the Sarcoma Support Group in Singapore to share knowledge, information and to provide emotional support to each other.
[Video description: Wendy walks across on a bright sunny day on the streets of Singapore]
More information on Singapore Sarcoma Support Group: https://www.ncis.com.sg/Our-Services/Patient-Support-Groups/Pages/Sarcoma-Support-Group.aspx and https://www.facebook.com/singaporesarcoma/
Routine as Repertoire explores routines that women and non-binary folks incorporate into our lives as our bodies go through transformations or challenges. Visit RoutineAsRepertoire.com to view the exhibition
06/29/2021
“I make friends with my tumor and I do talk to them and say that for me to survive and for you to survive, you should not grow bigger, so that we can actually accommodate each other.”
Wendy Tan-Kuah Wendy Kuah , a mother, wife and retired businesswoman was diagnosed in December 2014 with uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the smooth muscle tissues. She underwent a full hysterectomy as well as a 5.5 cm tumour. In 2015, the PET scan reviewed that cancer had spread to other parts of her body so she has been living with a stage 4 diagnosis. She decided to retire from her education consultancy business to focus on her health. Apart from having medical treatments, she began walking as a way to take care of her body and leads the Sarcoma Support Group in Singapore to share knowledge, information and to provide emotional support to each other.
[Image descriptions:
Image 1 - Lightpainting of Wendy walking in a narrow walkway towards the camera
Image 2 - Wendy smiles at the camera while seated in an office chair.
Image 3 - A close-up on numerous black pills in the palms of Wendy's outstretched hands.
More information on Singapore Sarcoma Support Group: https://www.ncis.com.sg/Our-Services/Patient-Support-Groups/Pages/Sarcoma-Support-Group.aspx and https://www.facebook.com/singaporesarcoma/
The light paintings in the series referenced Frank Gilbreth’s early photography which tracks worker’s efficiency by attaching lights to their hands. Routine as Repertoire retakes Gilbreth’s images and a woman’s self-care is shown to be labour in resistance and resilience.
Routine as Repertoire explores routines that women and non-binary folks incorporate into our lives as our bodies go through transformations or challenges. Visit RoutineAsRepertoire.com to view the exhibition
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“When I'm on the train, I will take that reserved seat if it is empty... sometimes my legs ache so much that I will try not to care about who is standing around me.. I was prepared that someone is going to take my photo one day and it is going to end up on Stomp (Singapore-based online journalism web portal), and I'm just going to get a lot of brickbats…”
Sherry .soon who lives with vasculitis, an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels in her feet shares how the invisibility of her condition adds to her challenge. Recently, due to feedback from Sherry and others, the Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving begun issuing a 'May I have a seat please' lanyard to encourage understanding to those with invisible conditions. (https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/may-i-have-seat-please-lta-rolls-out-stickers-help-commuters-invisible-medical-conditions)
Sherry's condition is chronic. During flares (less now), big open ulcers appear on her feet and she will have to be hospitalized and homebound for up to two months. She wears stockings and covered shoes to keep her feet warm, takes immunosuppressants, hormone replacement therapy, and supplements such as calcium to manage the osteoporosis caused by steroids. Her routines also include building community support for those with autoimmune diseases and other less visible communities in Singapore. Sherry is the founder of Be Kind SG, a ground-up movement that reaches out to the less visible communities in Singapore. She also facilitates a support group for those living with autoimmune diseases. https://www.facebook.com/AutoimmuneDiseasesSG. Please make sure to check out the great work that Sherry is doing!
Routine as Repertoire explores routines that women and non-binary folks incorporate into our lives as our bodies go through transformations or challenges. Visit RoutineAsRepertoire.com to view the exhibition
[Video description: Sherry applying cream and wearing stockings in her bedroom]
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