“Nanyang New Frontiers” Workshop Series – Experiencing Beauty of Ink-Painting, Paper-Cutting, Calligraphy and Seal-Engraving Up Close

The “Nanyang New Frontiers: 20th Anniversary Art Exhibition of Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society,” jointly organised by SGM, Harmoni Soka Arts and Culture, and the Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society, was held at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM from 14 March to 12 April.

During the exhibition period, a series of four workshops was held, inviting experienced artists to provide hands-on guidance, allowing art enthusiasts to experience traditional art forms such as ink painting, paper cutting, calligraphy and seal-carving at close range.

Session 1: Chinese Ink-Painting Workshop by Chai Mee Kang

The first workshop, themed “Little Birds,” saw six participants exploring Chinese ink-painting under the guidance of Chai Mee Kang on 15 March. 

Chai demonstrated the techniques twice, explaining brushwork and variations in ink tones. Participants were guided to grasp fundamental skills and, through repeated practice, appreciate the vivid charm of ink art.

Session 2: Chinese Paper-Cutting Workshop by Chan Thim Choy

On 22 March, Chan Thim Choy conducted a paper-cutting workshop under the theme “Gratitude · In Appreciation of Teacher Cheah Thien Soong.” Six participants created works using red paper.

The design featured the waterhen motif, symbolising diligence and simplicity, combined with traditional window-pattern elements and the structure of a red packet. The composition was both simple and dignified. Through each cut, participants not only learned technical skills but also reflected on the values of gratitude and cultural transmission.

Session 3: Calligraphy Art Talk by Pang Heng Khan

On 28 March, the “Exploring Calligraphy with Heng Khan” talk was held, delivered by calligrapher Pang Heng Khan and moderated by Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society vice-president Lim Ken Peng, with 22 participants.

Pang shared his journey in learning calligraphy, the influence of arts education on his creative practice, and his reflections on contemporary calligraphy. The session concluded with a live demonstration, allowing participants to closely experience the expressive power of calligraphy.

Session 4: Seal-Carving Workshop

The concluding workshop featuring seal-carving was held on 12 April, with Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society president Chong Choy and Tan Shin Tiong co-leading an event that attracted 21 participants.

This featured fundamental techniques including seal design, carving, the use of seal paste, and side inscriptions. Through explanation and demonstration, participants gained an understanding of the differences between intaglio and relief engraving, and completed their own personalised seals under guidance.

Profound Cultural Encounter

The four workshops showcased the diverse facets of traditional Nanyang Chinese art, attracting over 50 participants in total. Through hands-on experience, participants gained insight into both the techniques and cultural depth of traditional art, further appreciating the significance of cultural continuity and inheritance, in line with the ongoing vision of “Nanyang New Frontiers.”

Jointly reported by Sim Dong Liang and Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Jeffery Lum, Lim Ching Chan and Lum Heng