A Photography Exhibition by Tan Ngiap Heng

September 16 to October 7, 2005
Monday to Friday, 11am to 7pm
Saturday, 1 to 5pm
Open to public, free admission

Tête-à-Tête is an exhibition of portraits by Tan Ngiap Heng of people in the arts in Singapore. His subjects have included people like actor/director Ivan Heng, ballerina Xia Hai Ying and writer/painter Parvarthi Nayar. The works appearing in Tête-à-Tête are personal interactions with the artists that he has met during his work.

Artist's statement:

Xia Hai Ying by Tan Ngiap Heng

"I started my professional photography career by taking photographs of the performing arts. The drama or stage lighting and the interaction with strong characters has influenced my photography a lot. When I opened a studio in 2000, I started taking black and white portraits that tried to capture the drama that I saw on stage. The people that sat for me were friends whom I made in the arts, actors, dancers, painters, writers and musicians. I held a special place in my heart for dancers as I dreamed of being a dancer myself. I built a sprung floor in my studio so that dancers can dance for me without injuring themselves."

About Tan Ngiap Heng

Tan Ngiap Heng started his career in photography taking photographs for the performing arts. His clients include Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Dance Theatre and the National Arts Council.

Ngiap Heng still continues to shoot regularly for the performing arts but has expanded to bridal and commercial photography. He works regularly in the studio as well as on location. Ngiap Heng continues to develop his own personal work which he exhibits. His website is www.thepond.com.sg.