Harmoni Arts Talk Explores Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Artefacts – Restorer Lin Huan Shen Shares Principles and Practical Experience

On 14 March 2026, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM hosted a Harmoni art talk titled “My Artwork Needs Restoration – What Should I Do?” delivered by Assoc Prof Lin Huan-shen from the Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. The session attracted over 100 people.

During the talk, he drew on his restoration of “Ink Painting Album by Wang Ke,” part of SGM’s art collection, to illustrate the considerations and decision-making process involved in cultural artefact conservation. He emphasised that, before engaging a conservator, collectors should first determine how the work will be preserved and displayed in the future. If appropriate environmental conditions are not yet in place, maintaining the current state of the work may, in some cases, be the more suitable option.

He also noted that damage to artefacts is often the result of human oversight, such as lack of regular inspection and adequate ventilation, which can lead to mould growth and deterioration. Proper day-to-day care and management are therefore essential to long-term preservation.

The restored “Ink Painting Album by Wang Ke” will be exhibited from 11 April as part of the SGM art collection exhibition “Timeless Art Legacy – Exhibition of Artworks Donated by Sim Tiak Choo.”

Reported by Sim Dong Liang, Photographed by Chang Chung Jun and Lum Heng