In this digital age with its emphasis on clamour and colour, it is extremely rare finding a good black and white photographer; to find two exceptional black and white cameramen working on the same island at the same time, is nothing short of miraculous.
Penang has an uncanny knack for being able to constantly surprise – both in art and Politics – and in Ismail Hashim and Dr Ooi Cheng Ghee, has thrown up two photographers par excellence. Besides being close buddies, the pair shares many common denominators: both are die-hard Penangites; both have an abiding, if somewhat old-fashioned, faith in black and white photography; both have passion for perfection; and both are partial to a glass of Shiraz. However, each has his own distinctive vision.
Besides being close buddies, the pair shares many common denominators: both are die-hard Penangites; both have an abiding, if somewhat old-fashioned, faith in black and white photography; both have passion for perfection; and both are partial to a glass of Shiraz. However, each has his own distinctive vision.
