Howard Tan: Vibrance in the net of time

Wednesday, February 08 2012

FIFTEEN YEARS ago, electronics professional Howard Tan developed an interest in photography while taking family portraits using his brother’s camera. This has developed into an art that has made him one of Penang’s leading abstract photographers with a sizeable fan following.

According to a write-up on him: “A vital component in the majority of his work is colour and how it behaves in the photograph. Many of Howard's photographs hover between abstract compositions and reflect a timelessness, almost a slowing down of pace and time, that keeps the viewer interested long after the photograph has been taken.”

“Penang’s heritage streetscapes and cultural diversity are the raw material for his sensitive images of vibrant luminosity that capture the island’s richness of colour, form and texture. Grubby backstreets become brilliant gems of intense spirit. Howard’s passion for Penang shines through in every one of his exposures.” (Penang My Passion)

“It is refreshing to absorb Tan’s perspective of his kampung, a beautiful and sentimental look at the cityscape from a native point of view. Tourist attractions are well and good, but the soul of the city is not often captured the way Tan would — his cat series evokes a silent charm, a reserved but lively energy of feline splendour.” (iGT Features)

His unique flair and eye for capturing the ordinary and making it extraordinary has resulted in major exhibitions around Malaysia. He also shows at his gallery which is located at 88, Top Floor, Armenian Street, 10200 Penang, Malaysia. The gallery exhibited some of his pieces on glass, a new medium he is working on, during the George Town Festival 2010 from July 1 to 31. Read here.

References