And a whole lot more has since taken TAN JOO HENG from our island-nation to the rest of the world. He chats with ALETHIA TIANG about his chosen art form
TAN JOO HENG has been all smiles since arriving at the Ola Beach Club this morning. Even when the weather takes a turn for the worse — scorching sun one moment, gusty winds and billowing rains the next — during our photo shoot, he’s still all cheery.
“Don’t worry. The winds are so strong. It means the rain will pass us by in the next hour or so,” he reassures.
Born and raised in Singapore, Tan is the country’s only professional sand sculptor and has participated in competitions and exhibitions the world over. He is back in town to present his solo exhibition, Shifting Sand 2, which features seven sculptures and an interactive exhibit as part of Sentosa’s Sandsation 2017 this month. This year also marks his 20th year in the profession.
Tan waded into the world of sand sculpting in 1997, when a lecturer at his alma mater LASALLE College of the Arts invited the class to try it out at the beach. Tan discovered his affinity with sand. “I’ve tried clay, glass and mixed media but sand is really special to me,” he says. “Each is just a small grain but [with it] I can build sculptures up to 10m high.”
Right from the start, it has been as if it is the sand that is drawing him in: “I don’t hunt for jobs or projects. Most of the time, people approach me to do sand sculptures for them.”
Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
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Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
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MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.
