This ongoing project began in 2017 and documents the daily life of my grandmother-in-law,
Oma Hedwig, and her journey through the aging process to the present at age 94. (“Oma”
means Grandma in German.)
I come from Malaysia, where multigenerational living is the norm. This is common in many
Asian families, where grandparents play an integral role in family dynamics. It is also typical
for children to live with their parents, even after starting their own families.
When I first met Oma Hedwig, I noticed notable cultural differences between Asian and
Western perspectives on aging. While she receives support from my parents-in-law, she
values her independence, which aligns with the Western emphasis on personal space and
privacy among the elderly. In many Western contexts, older individuals may choose to live
separately from their families, even when they cohabitate.
This project captures Oma's life in various everyday situations, documenting her
experiences and the challenges she faces in aging within contemporary society. She has
transitioned from being able to manage tasks independently—to now relying on a rollator
walker for mobility. She can no longer perform many of the tasks she used to manage
independently and is experiencing mild dementia.
While Oma's desire for independence is admirable, it sometimes leads to feelings of
isolation, sadness, and loneliness. By examining these themes, I aim to highlight the
complexities of aging and the emotional journey that comes with it.
Callie Eh
Callie is a Switzerland-based Malaysian. Her travels
ignited her love for photography, and what started as a
hobby has now become an integral part of her life.
Callie’s works mostly refer to life “In the moment”.
Emphasizes the honesty and authenticity of people
through her unique perspective and optimistic outlook on
life. She aspires to convey the beauty she sees in the
world and share it with others through her photography.
For Callie, photography is not just about creating
memories but also about connecting and communicating
with others.
Callie's work has received recognition through exhibitions,
awards, and publications in international magazines and
books.
www.callieeh.com
@callie_eh
All about Callie Eh
