P AR AD ISE LOS T.
Makapu’u
Paradise Lost is a photo collection set in the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. The title ‘Paradise Lost’ was taken with reference to an epic poem by 17th-century English poet John Milton. The poem was based around the Biblical story of the Fall of Man, where Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, the fallen angel, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. I thought the title would be fitting, not in the context of sinning, but more on the emphasis of Eve’s inquisitive nature and her hunger for self-knowledge. Eve was a female who was intelligent and unafraid to voice out her own opinions. Even though her love for Adam was immense, she felt suffocated by his constant presence. I find some similarities with Eve and myself as I am constantly wanting to learn about the world. Being a person who enjoys solitude once in a while, I love to venture to places to self reflect. Before going to Hawaii, I was facing a lot of conflicting issues within myself. I was not happy with the way I was, physically and mentally. With a camera in hand, I explored the island and eventually found my ‘Garden of Eden”. Coming from a city state, I have never seen such beautiful landscapes in my life. I was truly in awe of mother nature and what she has created. I spent a lot of time reflecting on myself and finding out what I could change to turn my life around. I became so much more positive and I was eager, once again, to just live life. There will be many demons in our lives, be it our own thoughts or people we meet along the way, but we need to know how to sift them out and remove them to make way for the better things in life. Paradise Lost for me was about the light at the end of the tunnel. It was about discovering my own haven and learning how to be happy.
Makapu’u Tidepools
Laei Point
Sherwood Beach
Sandy Beach
Diamond Head
Na Mokulua Islands
Taken by Erik Oseto
I would like to thank all the people I have met in Hawaii. Mr & Mrs Zhang, Jeffrey, Frank & Kim. For your warmth and love; treating us like your family. The PTC Family. For being the best people to work with and for always looking out for us. I miss you guys everyday. Jeany & Aaron, our fellow Singaporean FMS seniors. You guys have been a blast to hang out with. Erik Oseto. For being so kind and warm. Last but not least, my fellow intern in Hawaii, Bill.
Photographs & Words by Arabelle Zhuang