Introduction
I had the honour of working closely with the NAFA team to bring my teacher’s exhibition to life, contributing to the design and development of the exhibition catalogue showcasing their artworks. Malaysian artist Yeo Eng Hin and Singapore-born Chua Chay Hwa first met while studying Western Painting at NAFA in Singapore in the late 1970s. The pair later travelled to Paris to further their training at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, embarking on a lifelong artistic journey spanning over five decades, marked by shared explorations and creative pursuits.
Together, they have travelled extensively beyond their homelands in Malaysia and Singapore, from the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat to the remote landscapes of Northern China. These experiences have deeply shaped their practice, reflected in their continued engagement with place, memory, and lived experience.
This exhibition presents over 40 paintings shown in Singapore for the first time, featuring a selection of Southeast Asian landscapes and scenes of local life. The works reflect both artists’ roots and their enduring connection with the world around them.
The exhibition was held from 12 June to 28 June 2026, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries 1 & 2, NAFA Campus 1, 80 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189655.
Catalogue Design
For this exhibition, I designed the official catalogue, transforming it into a storytelling vessel that brought the mangrove’s essence to life.
First edition: 300 copies printed and shared with guests, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
Second edition: A refined edition of 300 copies, capturing the evolved visual narrative of the collection.
The catalogue balances organic textures with clean editorial design, mirroring the rhythm and soul of the mangroves while providing a tactile, immersive experience for readers.
Proud moment with Your Excellency of Embassy The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of Singapore is His Excellency Sok Khoeun, exhibiting artists Mr Yeo Eng Hin and Mrs Chua Chay Hwa holding the catalogue I designed, capturing the evolving story of our exhibitions.
Media Feature
The exhibition was featured on 8TV, where I had the privilege of appearing alongside Teresa Kok (DAP Member) and my mentor. Sharing this space with individuals who value art, sustainability, and community was both humbling and energizing.
Reflection
This experience reaffirmed why I create: to illuminate stories that connect people to nature, to themselves and to one another. Designing the catalogue and curating the exhibition allowed me to translate the mangrove’s resilience into a human-centred narrative, one that encourages quiet reflection and growth.
“Like mangroves, we find strength in the tides. Rooted deeply, yet bend with grace.”
If my work resonates or you’d like to explore collaboration opportunities, I’d love to connect.