Howard is a soulful, predominantly abstract photographer who was born in Penang in 1974. He is self-taught, and his unique flair and eye for capturing the ordinary and making it extraordinary has resulted in major exhibitions in Penang and the island of Langkawi, where there is a permanent showing of his work in the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel.

A wide range of subject matter filters into his work, from major historical buildings in Malaysia and Langkawi, to character filled stray cats and dogs, landscapes, and the old quarter of Penang – where he lives and works for most of the year.

A vital component in the majority of his work is colour and how it behaves in the photograph. Many of Howards 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. Much of his interest in the photography grew out of an appreciation of good movies by directors like Wong Kar Wai and Tim Burton.

By Keith Hockton

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.

By BJ May (PenangMyPassion.com)

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.

By iGeorgetownpenang.com

Participating Exibitions:

• 2006 – The Gallery, Little Penang Street Market (Since October), Penang.
• 2007 – Penang Remembered Photography Exhibition, Alpha Utara Gallery, Penang.
• 2007 – The Gallery, Little Penang Street Market, Penang.
• 2007 – Small Works:Big Show, A2 Gallery, Penang.
• 2008 – The Gallery, Little Penang Street Market, Penang.
• 2009 – The Gallery, Little Penang Street Market, Penang.
• 2009 – Birds, The exhibition of birds (25th July), Pitt Street and Armenian Street, Penang.
• 2009 – The Art Gallery, Four Season Resort (Since August), Langkawi.

Photographic Contributions:

• 2008 – Photographs on Travel Article “Penang Past and Present”,
  Singapore Airline Inflight Magazine – SilverKris, November 08.
• 2009 – Photographs on Penang food  – Saveur Magazine.

Commission Works:

• 2008 – 2010 – Photographs on Bon Ton Resort & Temple Tree Resort, Langkawi
• 2009 – Photographs on Straits Collection & Bon Ton the shop, Penang
• 2010 – Photographs on Penaga Hotel, Penang