INTERVIEW
March 30, 2025
VISUAL HEALING BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS
Photography by Betty Goh
Interview by Karen Ghostlaw Pomarico
International Women’s Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate women who inspire us. Betty Goh, a visual storyteller based in Singapore, has shown remarkable perseverance through the health challenges she has faced, finding strength in photography, which became a key part of her healing process. Her personal story is inspirational, showing us, how visual storytelling can become a way for her to cope with illness while illuminating her path for recovery.
Life is a journey that often takes unexpected turns, leading us to unfamiliar yet intriguing possibilities. In 2016, Betty Goh’s life took such a turn. Living in Singapore and enjoying a successful career in banking and technology, Betty found herself drawn to photography during her work travels, initially as a way to document the places she visited. However, this newfound passion quickly ignited something deeper within her. “For much of my life, I was deeply focused on my work, which had nothing to do with art or creativity. My job required frequent business trips to different countries, leaving me with little time to cultivate personal hobbies.”
But in 2016, a health scare — the discovery of something unusual in her breast — served as a wake-up call. The results, fortunately benign, made her realize how fragile life could be and how little she had outside of work. It was in this moment that photography emerged as a way to reconnect with herself, despite her unpredictable travel schedule. “I needed something I could do independently, at my own pace, and ideally, something that could accompany me on my business trips.”
Betty’s natural talent for the art led to her work being featured in Singapore Airlines’ inflight magazine. Yet, despite her success, she felt there was something missing. “I was capturing what was already there — stunning landscapes, charming streets — but it often felt like the beauty of the scene, rather than my own skill, was responsible for the impact of the images.” She realized that she was searching for something deeper and more relevant than travel and documentary photography, though she couldn't define it yet.
In 2018, Betty attended a workshop with renowned photographer Siegfried Hansen, whose guidance shifted her focus. “He recognized my potential in abstract street photography and encouraged me to explore that direction. His belief in me ignited a new sense of excitement, and I began practicing intensely,” she recalls. From that moment, Betty's approach to photography evolved, focusing on graphic and candid street scenes that sparked new creative and critical observations, fueling her excitement. “I felt that my soul had no wish to do any more travel photography nor documentary type of photography.”
In 2021, Betty faced another challenge: a breast cancer diagnosis. “Naturally, I felt sad — not just because of the diagnosis itself, but because of something that happened around the same time. I had recently believed I had found a good friend, someone I could trust. However, after my diagnosis, I sensed a cold distance growing between us.” That realization was more painful than the diagnosis itself. But instead of succumbing to grief, Betty leaned into her art for strength. “I decided to push myself through grief by investing in a proper camera,” she explains. Using her art as both a distraction and a source of motivation, Betty spent her days photographing the world around her, even during the demanding period of radiotherapy. “After each daily radiotherapy session, I made it a point to walk around near the hospital, camera in hand, capturing whatever caught my eye. Despite the challenges of the COVID era, I found myself standing under the scorching 36°C heat, completely immersed in photography.”
Photography, for Betty, became more than just a means of artistic expression — it became part of her healing process. Her evolving style, which she now refers to as ‘Subconscious’, is a reflection of the complex emotions that defined her journey: “Subconscious became my long-term theme — an exploration of the complex emotions woven into urban life. Passion, excitement, loneliness, fear, tension, and dilemmas — these silent, surreal emotions often emerge as hidden elements in my visual poetry.” Betty sought to reveal the unspoken, the unseen, and the fleeting echoes of the human experience. “Growing up amidst the vibrant pulse of the city, I have always sensed the interplay between its light and dark sides — forces that intertwine in ways that defy clear boundaries.”
In early 2024, Betty announced her first solo exhibition, ‘Subconscious’, to be held in Tokyo. But shortly after the announcement, she received the news that her cancer had returned, more severe than before. “Despite the devastating news, I told my surgeon that this exhibition was a dream of mine, and I was determined to go,” she says. With determination and support from her medical team, Betty managed to schedule her surgery for after the exhibition. Despite the challenges, Betty focused on the exhibition, assuring its success with her positive energy and will to make this dream come true.
When Betty returned to Singapore, she endured a major operation, post-surgical complications, and chemotherapy. Yet, her desire to photograph remained undiminished. “Even when my body wouldn’t allow it, my passion for photography stayed strong,” she says. She brought ‘Subconscious’ to Singapore as a way to keep herself motivated and mentally engaged. “I am deeply grateful that ‘Subconscious’ was a success. Many people I had connected with online came to support me in person, making the experience even more meaningful. It was a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of art to transcend adversity.”
The exhibition’s success was not just a personal triumph, but a powerful symbol of Betty’s journey. It was a reminder that, even in the face of life’s most challenging moments, art can be a force for healing and transformation.
These questions encourage reflection, resilience, and empowerment, making Betty’s journey relatable and inspiring for women navigating their own challenges. Betty delves deeper into the personal and emotional aspects of her experience with illness and recovery, helping others relate to the vulnerability and resilience involved in facing physical changes and difficult treatments.
“I suddenly realized how short life is — anything can happen at any moment. My life shouldn’t revolve entirely around work; I should dedicate time to something beyond my career. Reflecting on my journey, I remembered my deep love for the arts as a child. My dreams were all creatively driven — film directing, fashion design, dance choreography, and more. But societal pressures led me down a very different path.
Looking back at those childhood ambitions, I felt the urge to reconnect with an artistic pursuit, ideally a visual one, since I’ve always been a visual learner. Given my hectic schedule, constantly moving from one country to another, photography seemed like the perfect hobby to explore.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH BETTY GOH
THE PICTORIAL LIST: How did your diagnosis in 2021 affect not only your health but also your relationships and personal outlook on life? How did you navigate the heartache of friends drifting away during that time?
BETTY: I have always been more of an introvert. Rather than seeking a wide social circle, I value deep, meaningful connections with a few close individuals. So, it was deeply painful when a “seemingly close friend” reacted coldly to my cancer diagnosis, distancing themselves and saying hurtful things.
Thankfully, I found solace in photography — it became a refuge from my sadness. Through the lens, I discovered strength, silence, and peace within myself, even amid external noise. It was during this time that I learned to stay true to who I am, to listen to my own soul, and to let go of unnecessary distractions.
Photography led me inward, allowing me to explore my emotions on a deeper level. I began creating images that reflected my inner self, my feelings, my subconscious. Photography became my closest companion.
TPL: What were the biggest emotional and physical challenges you faced while undergoing treatment? How did you accept the physical changes your body went through, and how did you cope with those changes emotionally?
BETTY: There were several significant challenges — both emotional and physical — that I faced throughout my treatment.
The Physical Impact - As a woman, undergoing a total removal of body parts that are often seen as defining femininity was deeply unsettling. The introduction of something foreign into my body added to this sense of loss and discomfort.
Post-surgery recovery was grueling. I had to visit multiple specialists almost every other day, navigating follow-ups and complications. For two weeks, I carried surgical drainage tubes and fluid-filled bottles attached to my body — unable to remove them, even while showering or sleeping. The surgical wound required constant care, demanding frequent hospital visits.
Compounding the stress, my chemotherapy doctor later suggested that my cancer might be more advanced than initially diagnosed. Some findings in my reports raised concerns, but the affected area was impossible to biopsy for accurate staging. This lingering uncertainty meant that my treatment plan remained in question. Even today, that “mysterious” area feels like a dormant volcano — unpredictable, ever-present. I would give this area the name of “Subconscious.”, which is located very near the heart.
Chemotherapy itself brought the expected side effects — total hair loss, digestive issues, and a drastic drop in immunity. But the most distressing part wasn’t what was anticipated — it was the unexpected infections and complications.
Unforeseen Struggles - During a chemo cycle break, I was suddenly struck with a high fever and severe swelling, as if a massive weight had settled on me. I was rushed to the emergency ward in the middle of the night, where doctors had to repeatedly drain fluid from my body while administering IV treatments.
Fortunately, the crisis subsided after two nights.
However, two months later, it happened again. This time, the fever and swelling persisted, even after three nights in the hospital. I was then referred to an infection specialist, requiring daily hospital visits to find viable veins for IV drips. Because one side of my body was already considered “in trauma,” they could only use veins in a single arm — making each insertion increasingly difficult. On top of this, I had to see three other doctors for related complications.
Despite everything, I rarely cried during my surgery and chemotherapy. But this period — dealing with relentless infections, uncertainty, and physical distress — broke me. I feared that I might have to undergo another surgery, remove the foreign implant, and start over from the beginning. I didn’t know if the infection could be fully treated or if I’d be left with lasting damage — unable to lead a normal life, let alone continue photographing.
Emotional Turmoil and the Exhibition - One of the hardest emotional challenges came when my unexpected infections delayed my chemotherapy, causing my final treatment cycle to coincide exactly with my exhibition dates in Singapore. My exhibition had been my anchor — something I held onto for strength and motivation. Everything was planned, invitations sent. But then my doctor hinted that I might have to cancel it. That news crushed me.
Balancing my physical limitations with my creative aspirations became another challenge. With my immunity at its lowest, chemo side effects intensifying, and my body still adjusting to its new reality, I knew the exhibition would be difficult. But giving it up felt unbearable.
Lasting Effects - Even now, I avoid stressing my upper body or compromising circulation. Carrying heavy bags on my shoulders is no longer an option, so I use a trolley bag instead — even when photographing. It’s more cumbersome, but I have no choice. Unfortunately, constant pulling has now caused nerve issues in my hands.
My body is still adapting, with occasional flare-ups that reignite memories of past trauma. The fear of recurrence lingers, reminding me of everything I’ve endured and what might still lie ahead.
TPL: What role did photography play in helping you see beyond the physical challenges and stay connected to your inner strength?
BETTY: Photography has been my strongest anchor — the force that kept me sane and motivated throughout this journey. My doctors know how deeply I love photography and how much I dream of holding the Subconscious exhibition at the end of this dark tunnel. They have been doing everything they can to help my body recover as quickly and fully as possible so I can pursue that dream.
I cherished every chemo break as an opportunity to step outside and capture new images. But as I mentioned, those moments of adventure were unexpectedly cut short by infections, forcing me to stop eventually.
Many well-wishers kindly offered motivational talks and ideas, perhaps assuming I might struggle with negative thoughts. But I’ve always known that photography is my true source of positivity. If there ever comes a time when I can no longer photograph, that — not anything else — would be what truly breaks me.
TPL: How did walking the same street every day during your recovery impact your photography and emotional resilience? What are some of the surprises you discovered in this daily routine?
BETTY: I hope that photography remains my lifelong passion and companion. I love it deeply, but the reality is that constant travel to different places for photography isn’t always possible. Singapore, being a small city and country, doesn’t offer endless new locations to explore without flying abroad.
Given these constraints, I’ve set a challenge for myself — to walk the same streets every day and train my eye to see differently, pushing my creativity to new levels. I don’t want my photography to depend solely on travelling to another city or country. Instead, my regular street, the one I walk on daily, should be my most important canvas.
The pleasant surprise? The more I revisit the same street, the more my mind pushes itself to see beyond the obvious. Over time, I’ve started noticing the unseen — the subtle details, the hidden moments — rather than just what’s on the surface.
TPL: In what ways did ‘Subconscious’ play in helping you process complex emotions, and what do you hope viewers take away from this body of work?
Before my cancer diagnosis in 2021, my photography felt more “externalized” — I was capturing what existed on the streets, but nothing that truly reflected my own soul. However, after that life-altering experience, my work became “internalized” — a mirror of my inner world. It was a profound shift, allowing me to express long-suppressed emotions through my images.
Throughout my life, I have been a melancholic, reserved person — someone who struggled with self-expression. But “Subconscious” became an outlet, a way to release a long-awaited sense of freedom.
Living in an urban city is a paradox — it pulses with passion, excitement, and adrenaline, yet beneath that energy lies loneliness, uncertainty, and stress. Many city dwellers, myself included, remain unaware of the layers of emotions we carry — silent, unspoken, unresolved. It is a mysterious, intangible feeling.
With “Subconscious”, I hope my viewers can, in some way, find a reflection of themselves.
“Subconscious” is me, and I am “Subconscious.”
TPL: How did you find the courage to continue with your Tokyo exhibition, despite your second cancer diagnosis?
BETTY: Holding this exhibition has always been my dream, and my surgeon fully supported me in pursuing it.
Even before my diagnosis, when I first announced the exhibition, many fans in Japan immediately expressed their excitement and commitment to attend — some even planning to travel from other cities to Tokyo just to see it. Their overwhelming support gave me immense encouragement, reinforcing my determination to make this dream a reality.
TPL: What were the biggest obstacles you faced while bringing ‘Subconscious’ to Singapore, and how did you push through them?
BETTY: My chemotherapy was originally scheduled to end just days before the Subconscious exhibition in Singapore. However, unexpected and complicated infections delayed my final session, forcing it to coincide with the exhibition dates.
When my doctor explained the risks — my extremely low immunity during chemo and the possibility that a COVID infection at the event could further delay my treatment, potentially affecting its effectiveness — I felt overwhelmed. The possibility of postponing or cancelling the exhibition was devastating.
Many people had already secured their spots to support the exhibition. The opening talk had sold out months in advance, with an overflow of attendees willing to stand just to be part of it. It was a difficult decision, but I knew I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
In the end, I chose to proceed with the exhibition while undergoing chemotherapy. Out of concern for my health, I made the awkward decision to put up a sign at the entrance, kindly asking people to maintain a safe distance from me (but we didn’t follow the rules eventually).
Despite everything, the exhibition was a great success. The presentation room on Level 2 was packed, with attendees even standing on the stairs of Level 1, eager to learn about Subconscious.
TPL: What kept you going when your body was weak, your pain was overwhelming, and you struggled to even hold a camera?
TPL: What advice would you give to other women facing personal hardships, whether health-related or emotional, who feel lost in their journey?
BETTY: I believe we often fall into the trap of self-pity, and when we give in to these emotions, things tend to get worse. It’s important to have a focus or goal to work toward during the tough times, as it can help distract your mind from negativity. And if anyone with negative energy tries to bring you down, it’s best to distance yourself from them.
TPL: How has your story changed your definition of strength, and what message do you hope to leave for other women battling adversity?
BETTY: Adversity doesn’t always mean something negative. In fact, it’s often through challenging times that we discover inner strength, realize who truly cares for us, and uncover new positive opportunities.
TPL: As you intuitively and independently find your artistic voice through photography, what inspiration can you share with women searching for their creative narrative?
BETTY: Trust your intuition and look within your soul, rather than simply trying to imitate others.
Betty Goh’s creative awakening in photography is closely connected to her personal struggles and unwavering resilience. What began as a creative pursuit soon became a lifeline, offering her strength and purpose in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Her photography is not just about capturing the world around her — it is an expression of survival, introspection, and emotional depth. Through her abstract street photography, Betty transforms ordinary urban landscapes into powerful artistic visual narratives, each frame a reflection of her inner world.
Betty’s journey in photography is an inspiring testament to the power of visual storytelling through perseverance and individuality. As a woman navigating the male-dominated field of street photography, she has broken barriers with her distinct visual language. Her ability to transform ordinary urban scenes into profound abstract compositions challenges traditional perspectives and pushes the boundaries of contemporary street photography.
Her success on an international scale is particularly meaningful as we celebrate International Women’s Month. Betty’s work encourages women to embrace their unique perspectives, take creative risks, and carve their own paths in artistic expression. Through her exhibitions, talks, and mentorship, she actively fosters a community where women photographers feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their artistic voices.
By leading by example, Betty Goh proves that women’s stories, visions, and experiences are invaluable contributions to the art world. Her achievements remind us of the importance of representation and the impact that women can have when they break barriers and defy expectations. Her journey is an inspiration for aspiring female photographers worldwide, demonstrating that passion and persistence can lead to global recognition and influence. As we celebrate the achievements of women this month, Betty’s work stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and empowerment.
