Photographer Nicky Loh has taken pictures for Reuters, for magazines and, during his NS stint, for UN Peacekeepers. But for Common Wealth, the latest in the Twenty Fifteen series of photography books about Singapore, he explores the HDB estate he lives in. The low-rise blocks of Commonwealth Drive are slated for redevelopment in the near future, and before they are demolished, Nicky has captured the images and stories of the provision shops that have over decades become part of the community. Here, he shares some of his photographs and tells us the best places to eat in Commonwealth Food Centre.

 

Universal Orchids flower shop, open since 1973

 

I actually grew up nearby in Margaret Drive where my grandma would bring me to spend time at my aunt's tailor shop. But that's gone now along with the whole area which is kind of sad. My earliest memories of Commonwealth are thwne I moved in eight years ago, which was eventful for me because it was the first flat I bought with my money.

 

I try to blend both the styles together. For example, photojournalism can be very raw so I like to make my photojournalism pictures look polished. For commercial work, I like to bring in an uncontrolled environment and style of shooting which is very much like photojournalism to give the pictures a certain level of energy.

 

Thin Huat provision shop, open since 1960

 

I consciously wanted to show the environment of the subjects and to let it tell the story. The shop is also as important as the shopkeeper and also has the same rich history. I wanted the viewer to be able to look around the shot and notice little things. 

 

I'm definitely keen on shooting this in a different location: Dakota, Pearl's Centre, so many places I want to document and people I want to talk to. Right now I'm even toying with the idea of another book shot in a similar style featuring the old shops from around the world because I travel so often. 

 

Poh Onn Tong traditional Chinese medicine shop, open since 1964

 

I think so because Singapore is evolving so fast that in a blink of eye, the things that we used to know and grew up with are gone. Even Haw Flakes taste different now. That's sad. It's sort of like the same situation in Beijing and their Hutongs. If you've been to one the year before, the following year it might be gone.

 

The Commonwealth Food Centre: the corner Muslim food shop selling Nasi Lemak in the morning; the roast duck or char siew rice that comes with a super awesome lotus soup for free; and the Hainanese Western food stall at the other food center across the road. Speak to them in Hainanese and your food comes faster.