“Invader.

He noticed the camera.
It was not part of our previous equation.
I shared with dad my intention to tell a story about him.
(I was nervous)

He opened an eye and raised his fingers.
That was his way of approving.

It’ s strange.
The intimacy raised.”

– Michael Tan

“The journey of life resembles dancing in many ways. We learn the steps as we grow, and strive to stay in synch with others as much as we could by developing patterns and rhythms to establish a routine. But sometimes, life decides to change its tune.” — Michael Tan

Artist Michael Tan‘s Dad is suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is a degenerative brain disorder resulting in patients losing control of their eye movements. Another difficulty may also be the opening or closing of eyelids. Through Michael Tan’s photography, verses and small sculptures, he shares his experience as a caregiver to his Dad.

“Little things

When life throws unexpected challenges,
I found solace by making little things.”

– Michael Tan

I was wondering who would be at the exhibition opening. The exhibition venue is next to an area of huge shipping containers. The subject is serious. I had to watch out for forklifts and venture into empty corridors of closed doors to reach the venue. It was heartening to see so many of the artist’s friends and family rallying around him.

There were sincere speeches. He kindly let his guests flip through his precious family albums of happier times. The exhibition catalog looked thick, yet people were reading some of these verses intently even after looking at the more than 100 photography prints. I, for one, gained more from this exhibition than many clinical exhibitions at hospitals.

An art work hangs on a wall. It is does not have all its fasteners. But we hope it will continue to stay there.

More photos in our album. Pardon the blur images.

All quotes used with permission from Michael Tan.

Exhibition: Dancing with Dad
Dates: Thu 19 Jan 2012
Time: 10.30am to 6.30pm daily (By appointment only, +65 6223 1102, gallery@lighteditions.com.sg)
Venue: Light Editions Gallery, Singapore (building just behind the bus-stop, the end of the building further from the bus-stop)