Artists often leave behind more than images and objects; they leave behind traces of their identity, beliefs and experiences. For both He Xiangning and Lai Foong Moi, art became a means of asserting their voice and presence within societies undergoing significant social and cultural change.
In Chinese painting, seals serve as more than signatures. They are expressions of authorship, identity and authority, marking the artist's presence within a work while contributing to its overall composition. Carefully carved and intentionally placed, seals have long been used by artists, scholars and collectors as personal emblems that communicate individual character and values.
Guided by artist Mr Oh Chai Hoo, this workshop invites participants to consider how marks, names and symbols can communicate who we are, and introduces participants to the history, symbolism and techniques of Chinese seal carving.
Suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts, this workshop offers an accessible introduction to a traditional art form and the enduring relationship between art, identity and self-expression.
-
When: 15 Aug 2026, 3–6pm - Suitable For: Adults, Young Adults
- Where: City Hall Wing, Level 5, Rooftop Studios 3 & 4
- Ticket Information: $45 per pax
About the Facilitator
Oh Chai Hoo is a Singaporean multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, calligraphy, ceramics, and seal carving. A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, he has been an active figure in Singapore's arts scene for over four decades. Rooted in traditional Chinese ink and calligraphic practices, his work explores the relationship between craftsmanship, experimentation, and contemporary expression.
His works have been exhibited in Singapore and internationally, and are held in the collections of the National Museum of Singapore and the Istana. A long-time practitioner and advocate of seal carving, Mr Oh previously served as Vice-President of the Siaw-Tao Chinese Seal-Carving Calligraphy & Painting Society and continues to share his expertise through exhibitions, workshops, and public programmes.
Explore other exhibitions
He Xiangning: Ink & Intent | 何香凝：画就丹青凭寄意
A leading ink artist and a prominent political figure, He Xiangning played an important role in the development of modern China. Featuring over 50 ink works and archival materials, the exhibition reconnects He Xiangning's artistic activities and significance to Chinese modern art, Singapore, Penang and the region’s art history.
Lai Foong Moi: Crossings
Encounter 1960s Singapore and Malaya through Lai Foong Moi’s art, exploring questions of identity, social transformation, and belonging during an era of change.
Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art
The newly revamped DBS Singapore Gallery exhibition presents a layered, ever-changing story of Singapore’s art history. Explore the unique pathways and detours of artists, and see their iconic artworks from the 19th century to present.