The Rise of Fun Print Culture in Singapore: What You Need to Know

In Singapore, something exciting is happening. A creative wave called fun print is growing fast. People of all ages are discovering joy in printmaking—making art with stamps, silkscreens, zines, letterpress, risograph, paper, and more. It’s fun, hands-on, and full of character.

Singapore has a long history of print. Early print shops had letterpress machines and wood blocks. These tools carved newspaper molds, invitation templates, and old-style characters. They helped shape how Singaporeans felt about print. These collections are treasured today in galleries and schools.

Artists like Chng Seok Tin played a big part too. She is known as a pioneer of modern printmaking in the country. Her work helped bring awareness and respect to the craft.

Today, print studios are popping up all around. One famous place is STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery. It is a big workshop and gallery right by the river. Artists come here to try printmaking methods like lithography, screen printing, or paper-making. They also show their art to the public.

Another key name is Pulp Editions. This print workshop sees itself as a partner to artists. It helps them explore and experiment with different methods, like etching or monotype. This strong support for creative printmaking is vital for the fun print culture.

Print is not just about serious studios anymore. It’s become playful and personal.

Printmaking is no longer hidden behind studio doors. Singapore Art Week once featured a Contemporary Printmaking Festival. People could try silkscreen, letterpress, and intaglio printing. They could even create a stamped “selfie” for display.

These events make print social, energetic, and fun for all.

Hands-on print workshops are now popular. For example, Artefakts offers easy, beginner-level block-printing using foam and lino. Families and groups love the fun and creativity it brings.

Others bring print into everyday life. Project Blue offers cyanotype printing—using sunlight and chemicals to create blueprints on paper and fabric.

Singapore's young print artists are getting noticed too. One example is Zhang Fuming, who won the National Arts Council Young Artist Award in 2024. His print art shows how modern and personal print can be.

Why It Matters

Fun print culture is growing because it is creative, accessible, and hands-on. It connects people using their hands, colors, and ideas. Print combines the old and the new. It mixes studio and indie art, digital and analog, tradition and pop. Singapore is getting stronger as a hub for print art.