Words by Dr Tan Eng Loy
7 May 2020
Mr Tan Lip Seng held his first-ever public photography exhibition in 2009. Despite being an active participant in artistic photography, international exhibitions and photography salons for over five decades then, this was the first time he would actually hold a solo photography exhibition.
Under the auspices of a grant from the National Arts Council of Singapore and several other generous sponsors, the exhibition was held from 21 – 30 August 2009 at the Ngee Ann Cultural Centre. Over 400 photographic prints were exhibited. showcasing his labour of love in photography and the evolution of his style for over 50 years.
A commemorative photo-book titled “Light & Shadow – Tan Lip Seng’s 50 Years of Photogprahy” （光景 – 陈立诚摄影五十年）edited by Mr Teo Huan Wue, was also launched at the exhibition opening which was officiated by the then Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Rear-Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew.
The opening ceremony attracted over more than 250 people, including many distinguished guests not only from Singapore, but also from regional countries, including amongst them the Indonesian ambassador to Singapore. 1,400 members of the public from Singapore as well as guests from Indonesia, Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands attended the exhibition during its ten-day course.
Almost eleven years after the exhibition, we present a curated selection of photographs out of the portfolio of 400 for your online viewing and enjoyment!
ENTER THE LIGHT AND SHADOW VIRTUAL EXHIBITION 2020
Painting With Light & Shadow – Opening Ceremony. Photographs by the late Mr Bey Hua Heng
Video preview of the 2009 exhibition by Dr Tan Eng Loy