Based in Paris, Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo brings her celebrated images from The Trees of Paris to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s East Garden Gallery from 23 April 23 to 31 May 2025. This exhibition, part of the prestigious vOilah! France-Singapore Festival 2025, offers a unique opportunity to explore the deep connection between nature and urban life in the City of Light. The exhibition showcases Teo’s remarkable perspective on the cultural and historical significance of Paris’s iconic trees, revealing a delicate balance between humanity and nature.

In Paris, trees are more than just living organisms—they represent resilience amidst an often hostile urban environment. From the majestic Haussmannian boulevards lined with plane trees to the chestnut trees in Luxembourg Gardens, these green giants stand tall, battling urban challenges while capturing the spirit of the city. Through her lens, Melisa reveals a quiet wisdom in these trees, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the intricate relationships between the natural world and human history.

Melisa’s photography captures the essence of the city’s trees not just as elements of nature but as symbols of life, growth, and the passage of time. As Voltaire once said, “We must cultivate our garden,” and Teo’s work encourages us to recognise the importance of nurturing both our environment and ourselves. Her images, rich with light and colour, are more than mere depictions of trees—they are gateways to understanding the larger narrative of human existence.

The exhibition also features cutting-edge technology, with panels made possible by HP’s three-layer printing. This process enhances the fine details of each image, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the textures, colours, and nuances of Teo’s work. The backlighting on the panels further illuminates the space, adding depth and dimension to each photograph, and transforming the gallery into a luminous celebration of light, colour, and life. As Melisa believes, light plus colour equals the absolute truth. Her work transcends barriers and boundaries, encouraging a universal dialogue that connects diverse narratives from different parts of the world.

In addition to The Trees of Paris, Melisa’s work will be showcased in Two Rivers, another of her highly anticipated exhibitions. Two Rivers draws inspiration from her eponymous book and explores the intertwined nature of two iconic rivers: the Singapore River and the Seine River in Paris. This exhibition, which debuts on the historic Anderson Bridge, also from 23 April 23 to 31 May 31 2025, before touring to VivoCity’s Waterfront Promenade and Southwest Boulevard from 4 June 4 to 4 July 2025.

The Singapore River and the Seine River are more than just bodies of water; they are metaphors for the flow of life, memory, and dreams. The two rivers represent distinct cultures, histories, and futures, yet they are connected by a common thread: the ever-flowing nature of human experience. As Melisa reflects, “Two rivers mark the course of my life: the Singapore River where I was born, and the Seine River, where I was reborn.” Through her photographs, she captures the stories these rivers tell, offering viewers a deep reflection on the past, present, and future of human connections.

The Two Rivers exhibition will also be supported by groundbreaking HP printing technology. The panels, with their vibrant detail and clarity, offer an immersive experience that enhances the emotional depth of Melisa’s images. The use of backlighting will further highlight the fluidity of the rivers, symbolising the ever-changing nature of life and memory.

Melisa’s journey as an artist has been shaped by her dual heritage, education, and life experiences. Born in Singapore, Melisa pursued her education at the National University of Singapore, majoring in English Language and Literature, before continuing her studies at Sorbonne University in Paris, where she majored in French Language and Literature. Her time in Paris has deeply influenced her artistic vision, allowing her to explore themes of cultural exchange, personal transformation, and the profound connection between humanity and nature.

While her path as an artist has not been without its personal challenges, one of the most pivotal moments came with the loss of her late husband, Iranian-French photographer Abbas Attar, who deeply inspired her work. In the aftermath of his passing, Melisa questioned whether she would ever be able to pick up her camera again. Yet, despite the overwhelming grief, she found the strength to continue her creative journey, producing work that resonates with themes of resilience, healing, and growth. Her ability to return to photography after such a loss reflects the themes of her work—life’s ability to persevere, heal, and grow even in the face of adversity.

Throughout her artistic journey, Melisa has consistently embraced the importance of lifelong learning and self-mastery. As she encourages in her work and life: “Take your time to respond, to think before you speak. Life is about mastering ourselves.” Melisa’s photography invites us all to slow down, to reflect, and to truly see the world around us, whether in the radiant light of the morning or the evocative glow of night.

As part of her ongoing commitment to community engagement, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of prints from The Trees of Paris exhibition will be donated to charitable initiatives aimed at uplifting disadvantaged individuals. Melisa’s work is not only an artistic endeavour but also a contribution to social good.

The Two Rivers exhibition is a collaboration between the French and Singapore governments, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. It is supported by the French Embassy and Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the National Arts Council, National Parks Board, and the Land Transport Authority. The Anderson Bridge, a National Monument located at the mouth of the Singapore River, provides a powerful backdrop for the exhibition, symbolizing the deep connection between these two rivers and the countries they flow through.

The exhibition will be followed by an artist talk at library@harbourfront, where Melisa will share her creative journey. A children’s art competition, inspired by the themes of the exhibition, will further engage the community and inspire the next generation of artists.

Photo Credit: Melisa Teo

Both exhibitions run from 23rd  April to 31st May 2025, with The Trees of Paris at The  Fullerton Hotel’s East Garden Gallery, while Two Rivers is at Anderson Bridge. The latter then travels to VivoCity’s Waterfront Promenade from 4th  June to 4th  July 2025. Both exhibitions are also collected in books, also titled The Trees of Paris and Two Rivers.

vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025 runs from 23rd April to 8th June 2025, More information available here.